In a bid to reduce fuel consumption and cut government expenditure, the Odisha government has directed all departments to minimise the use of petrol and diesel in official activities across the state.

The directive was issued by the Development Commissioner on Friday following instructions from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who stressed the need for fuel conservation amid rising petroleum prices and growing financial pressure.

According to the official communication, the order will be applicable to all government offices starting from the State Secretariat to sub-divisional, tehsil and block-level offices. The directive also covers government-run and government-aided enterprises, institutions, universities and committees across Odisha.

The Chief Minister has advised departments to reduce physical meetings and instead promote virtual interactions wherever possible. Departments have also been instructed to increase the use of electric vehicles for official purposes and encourage carpooling among government employees.

Further, officials have been asked to prefer buses and trains for long-distance travel instead of individual vehicle use in an effort to curb fuel expenses.

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The government has emphasised strict compliance with the instructions and asked all departments to take immediate steps to reduce petrol and diesel consumption in day-to-day administrative work.

The move comes at a time when fuel prices continue to remain high, increasing pressure on both the public and government expenditure.