Bhubaneswar, March 26 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday directed officers to take strong action against traders who are involved in hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders and other essential commodities.
Majhi reviewed the steps being taken by the state government to deal with the artificial shortage of various commodities created in the country and the state due to the conflict in the West Asia region.
The meeting discussed in detail the measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petrol, cooking gas, and fertilizers.
The review revealed that there is an adequate supply of petroleum, natural gas, and other commodities in the state, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a statement.
The chief minister directed the officers to be vigilant so that black marketing of essential commodities does not take place by creating an artificial shortage of cooking gas.
He also instructed them to conduct raids across the state and take strong action against traders who engage in such unethical practices, it said.
During the meeting, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining sufficient stocks of fertilizers for the Rabi crop season. He advised them to create widespread public awareness at the government level so that the people of the state do not feel anxious about the availability of fertilizers.
Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra said that there is no scarcity of cooking gas, petrol, and diesel in Odisha.
The Union minister for consumer affairs, food, and public distribution has invited the concerned ministers of nine states to discuss the supply of these essential commodities, he said.
"There is no need to panic as we are supplying adequate LPG, petrol, and diesel to domestic consumers. However, we are able to meet 40 per cent of the demand of commercial customers," the minister said.
Earlier in the day, a meeting of the state crisis management group was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg to discuss the status of supply of cooking gas, petrol, and diesel in Odisha.
Officers pointed out that the central government has enhanced the quota for the supply of commercial cooking gas to hotels and restaurants.
The meeting focused on increasing the use of piped natural gas (PNG). It was decided in the meeting to encourage hotels and commercial establishments to adopt PNG in large quantities. Hotels which have both PNG and LPG facilities have been advised to use PNG in full.
Officers of the Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Department said that there is no problem in the supply of LPG to domestic consumers. However, they expressed concerns over irregular supply and black marketing of the LPG cylinders.
It was also decided in the meeting to further strengthen enforcement activities to curb black marketing of the cooking gas, officials said.
