No Shortage Of Petrol, Diesel In Odisha; Fuel Outlets Functioning Normally: Minister
The minister said no fuel station has been shut down and all petrol pumps are functioning normally. He added that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and no directive has been issued by the supply department to close any fuel outlet.
Bhubaneswar: Odisha food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Tuesday assured people that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the state and said sufficient fuel stocks are available both in Odisha and across the country.
The minister said no fuel station has been shut down and all petrol pumps are functioning normally. He added that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and no directive has been issued by the supply department to close any fuel outlet.
Patra appealed to people not to panic and said citizens may purchase fuel as per their requirement. However, he urged consumers to use petrol and diesel in a controlled and responsible manner.
Referring to recent remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister said they should not be misunderstood.
He said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could create fuel-related challenges and lead to gradual increases in prices in the future, making it necessary to regulate consumption.
“The use of petrol should be done in a controlled and responsible manner as prices are gradually increasing. The government is bearing the financial burden to reduce pressure on poor people,” Patra said.
He claimed that while fuel prices had touched “Rs 400 to Rs 500” in some countries, prices in India had not risen to such levels because the government was absorbing part of the burden to shield economically weaker sections from the impact of rising prices.
The minister also said the Prime Minister had appealed to people to remain cautious while purchasing gold in order to help strengthen the country’s economic policy.