Industry Odisha Bureau, May 15: Amid huge rush at almost all fuel stations across Odisha, the State Government and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) today appealed to the public not to resort to panic buying while assuring adequate amount of fuel available in the State.
Despite soaring heat conditions, long queues were seen at petrol pumps and outlets running dry at several places including capital city Bhubaneswar on Friday.
Public transport was also affected with a section of private buses going off road due to fuel scarcity fears.
In Bhubaneswar, fuel stations in Chandrasekharpur, CRP Square Unit-1, and Rasulgarh witnessed long queues of vehicles waiting to refill petrol and diesel tanks. Several outlets have imposed limits on fuel sales, ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000 for two-wheelers and four-wheelers respectively.
In some places, the consumers were forced to buy petrol in the black market at Rs 150 per litre. Speaking to media persons here, State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Friday appealed to the public not to rush to fuel stations or indulge in unnecessary stockpiling, assuring that there is no shortage of fuel in the State.
Chairing a high-level meeting with representatives of OMCs, the Minister said Odisha currently has sufficient petrol and diesel reserves to meet demand for the next 13 days.
Patra said the spike in fuel purchases was triggered by public fear over a possible price hike in petrol and diesel due to the ongoing West Asia crisis.
The apprehension led to widespread panic buying, with many people arriving at fuel stations carrying large containers and jerry cans to store fuel.
He appealed to citizens not to hoard fuel or spread misinformation, clarifying that there is no immediate threat to fuel availability in Odisha.
Patra also noted that confusion had spread after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to citizens to reduce fuel consumption as part of broader economic strengthening measures, which some people misinterpreted as a sign of impending scarcity.
To prevent exploitation of the situation, Patra said officials have been instructed to conduct raids against black marketing and hoarding of fuel.
The government has also directed fuel stations to prioritize supply for public transport services to ensure normal movement of essential transportation.
He further appealed to people not to overcrowd petrol pumps, warning that unnecessary panic could disrupt the smooth distribution of fuel across the state.
Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Chief General Manager and State Level Coordinator for the Oil Industry in Odisha, Kamal Sheel also urged the public to remain calm and avoid stockpiling.
He assured that there is no shortage of fuel anywhere in Odisha and said fuel supply is being closely monitored district-wise to ensure uninterrupted distribution.
Sheel clarified that oil companies currently have sufficient reserves of petrol and diesel at supply points connected to the Paradip Refinery through pipeline networks.
“Sufficient stocks are being maintained at all supply locations. There is absolutely no shortage of fuel anywhere in Odisha,” Sheel said.
According to IOCL, fuel depots and marketing supply points currently hold enough stock for 10 to 12 days. District-level reserves are also being maintained to avoid disruption in supply.
“All oil companies including IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, Reliance and Nayara have sufficient stock of petrol and diesel,” he said. Sheel appealed to citizens to continue purchasing fuel normally instead of buying extra quantities out of fear. “There is no need to panic buy, store fuel at home or fill more than required,” he added.
