Amid continuing rush at petrol pumps across Odisha, the Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association and oil companies on Saturday assured that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the state and said the situation is expected to return to normal by Monday evening.

The assurance came after a meeting with the Odisha government, even as long queues continued to be reported at fuel stations in several districts due to panic buying and rumours regarding fuel shortage.

Fuel Supply To Continue Across State

Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association general secretary Sanjay Lath said fuel depots across the state would continue operations on Sunday despite the holiday.

“All the fuel depots across the state will remain open on Sunday as well. There is enough fuel in Odisha and there is no shortage. In interior regions where fuel availability is low and supply is essential, depots will operate and fuel supply will be restored as soon as possible,” he said.

He added, “Once fuel movement continues smoothly, the situation across the state will normalise by Monday. We have given this assurance to the minister.”

Lath further informed that fuel supply for farmers, hospitals and generators would continue, but only through specified containers in order to prevent black marketing.

“For farmers, generators and hospitals, fuel will be provided in specific containers to curb black marketing. Strict action will be taken against any dealer found involved in black marketing,” he said.

On ambulance services, he said, “It is the responsibility of ambulance operators to keep their tanks full. Normally petrol pumps do not remain empty and such issues related to ambulances have not occurred earlier.”

IOCL Assures Adequate Stock

IOCL CGM Kamal Seal also appealed to people not to panic and said all oil companies are operating at full capacity to restore normalcy.

“We want to assure everyone on behalf of all oil companies that there is sufficient stock of petrol and diesel in Odisha. The sudden spike witnessed over the past one or two days led to a 37 per cent surge in demand, resulting in dry-outs in some areas. However, the situation has improved,” he said.

Seal further stated that supply terminals operated till late Friday night and would continue full-fledged operations on Sunday as well.

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“All supply locations and companies have been directed to function in full capacity. All terminals will remain fully operational on Sunday so that additional fuel reaches all retail outlets,” he said.

“There is no need to panic. There is sufficient stock available and people should not stand in long queues unnecessarily. Consumers should buy fuel only as per requirement and avoid panic buying,” he added.