Fuel Frenzy: Odisha's Fuel Crisis and Government's Response

Long vehicle queues at Odisha fuel stations spark a debate over fuel availability. While the state assures adequate supply, fuel scarcity leads to halted bus operations. Panic buying exacerbated the crisis following PM Modi's fuel conservation appeal. Authorities plan crisis management to restore normalcy.

Long queues formed at fuel outlets across Odisha on Thursday, with some displaying ‘no stock’ signs, even though the government insisted there was no shortage. The Odisha Private Bus Owners' Association reported that around 2,000 buses were out of service due to fuel scarcity.

Despite official claims of adequate fuel availability, Association leader Debendra Sahu stated that buses remained off the road because petrol pumps were supplying only 50 litres instead of the needed 300 litres per day. In response, Chief Secretary Anu Garg mentioned that the government would soon address energy security issues.

Amid assurances about sufficient supplies, Food Supplies Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh noted minor disruptions at 20-22 out of 2,850 outlets, with district teams mobilizing to restore supply. The temporary crisis, fueled by panic buying, followed a call from PM Modi to conserve fuel. Discussions around energy conservation even impacted political leaders, as Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo reduced his security convoy to echo the Prime Minister's message.