Finance
Amid concerns over the state’s oil shortage, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra met with officials from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and the Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association.
Following the meeting, IOCL Chief General Manager Kamal Seal informed that there is enough petrol and diesel available throughout Odisha. He stressed that the huge lines at petrol pumps were caused by people’s panic buying and excessive purchases, rather than any true shortage.
“The situation has gradually improved. We have normalised the supply to all petrol tanks. There is enough oil for everyone, and people do not need to stand in long queues,” Seal said.
He further stated that there is no shortage from Paradip Refinery and that any petrol pump facing low stock will be immediately replenished.
Sanjay Lath, Secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association, also addressed the matter, stating that the brief shortage was caused by reckless and excessive selling, as well as certain supply chain delays. He confirmed that oil delivery will continue on Sunday, and that the situation would return to normal by Monday evening.
During the recent fuel station crisis, the minister’s intervention, as well as guarantees from IOCL and dealers, provided relief to car owners and the general public.
