Industry Odisha Bureau, April 6: Providing relief to students and migrant labourers, the Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department issued a clarification over the sale and distribution of 5 kg LPG cylinders in the state. Following the 5kg LPG refill mayhem, the department on Sunday banned the open sale of 5 kg LPG cylinders.
Earlier, the department had laid a ban on the sale of 5kg small cylinders in the state. Clearing the air, the latest notification read that there is no complete ban on the refill of 5kg LPG cylinders. Students and migrant labourers can avail these by producing their valid identity proof.
The clarification comes as a check targeting the illegal hoarding, black marketing and unauthorized open-market sales. It also covers the illegal refilling shops and traders selling cyclinders at inflated prices without a license.
The Government has advised the consumers to complete the e-KYC at their nearest authorized gas agency. The state has adequate stock of LPG, petrol and diesel thus consumers should avoid panic-buying from unauthorized vendors.
Speaking to media persons here, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department, Odisha, said that 5kg cylinders are being made readily available for the migrant workers and students.
He clarified that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are providing these connections through an easy process where individuals can obtain a 5kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinder from authorized distributors simply by presenting a valid identity proof.
Accompanied by senior departmental officials and representatives from various Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), the Principal Secretary addressed the current status of fuel availability in the state and specifically cleared misconceptions regarding the distribution of 5kg LPG cylinders.
Notably, no address proof is required for these specific consumers. To further assist this demographic, OMCs are organizing special camps across various locations to provide connections on the spot, Singh said.
The Principal Secretary stressed that restrictions are only placed on illegal vendors to ensure public safety, and the department is taking strict action against any unauthorized sellers.
Regarding the overall fuel situation, Singh assured the public that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol, or diesel.
“While domestic gas supply remains completely stable, the supply of commercial gas is also returning to normalcy, with 70 percent availability already achieved,” he informed reporters.
Furthermore, 20 percent of the supply is being prioritized for essential institutions such as hospitals, schools, hostels, and Ahaar Kendras, he added.
District Collectors are leading specialized committees to monitor the situation locally and ensure that any logistical hurdles are resolved immediately.
The FS&CW Department has also intensified its enforcement activities to curb black marketing and illegal hoarding. To date, officials have conducted inspections at 1,633 locations, resulting in the seizure of 3,105 cylinders and the registration of 288 cases.
Singh appealed to the citizens of the state to utilize digital booking services for their gas requirements to ensure transparency. OMCs have reaffirmed that sufficient stock is maintained at the dealer and distributor levels to meet the state’s demands.
Adding to the technical details, Kamalsheel, Nodal Officer for the Oil Companies, stated that domestic connections are being facilitated through e-KYC.
He reiterated that for students and migrant laborers, the 5 kg cylinders are the most convenient option as they bypass the need for a permanent address proof.
The government and oil companies remain committed to maintaining a seamless supply chain and protecting consumers from exploitative illegal trades, he added.
