Bhubaneswar, May 15 (IANS) Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Friday appealed to the public not to panic over fuel availability, stating that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the state despite long queues being witnessed at several fuel stations and the closure of several petrol pumps since Thursday.

Reacting to reports of panic buying and overcrowding at petrol pumps, the minister said adequate stock of diesel and petrol is available in Odisha, and there is no need for people to rush to filling stations.

He said the sudden surge in crowds appears to be driven by fear among people that fuel may become unavailable in the future due to the ongoing global situation.

Speaking to IANS, the Minister said, “People are lining up because they think petrol and diesel may not be available later. There is no such problem in Odisha. Fuel supply is sufficient.”

Patra also urged consumers not to indulge in excessive fuel stocking, saying some individuals were purchasing 40 to 50 litres at a time, which was unnecessary and was creating panic among others.

“There was no issue earlier, but panic buying has created long queues now. We will try to make people aware that there is no shortage,” he said.

The minister further appealed to citizens to use petrol and diesel judiciously, given the prevailing global situation and international market pressure. He noted that geopolitical tensions and global supply disruptions have affected fuel prices worldwide. He added that the government is closely monitoring the supply chain situation and will take the necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability across the state.

On the other hand, Kamal Sheel, the Chief General Manager of IOCL and State Level Co-ordinator for Oil Industry in Odisha, has stated that all oil companies, including IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, Reliance, and Nayara, have sufficient stock of petrol and diesel. He added that there is ample fuel supply in Odisha to meet public demand and appealed to citizens not to resort to panic purchasing or stockpiling of petrol and diesel.

–IANS

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