The Odisha state government has directed all its departments to make advance payments to fuel stations as a precautionary measure to guarantee uninterrupted fuel supply for official vehicles amid growing uncertainty due to the war situation in West Asia.
Authorization for Interest-Free Advances
According to an official communication issued on Wednesday, departments and heads of departments have been authorized to provide interest-free advance payments equivalent to two months' estimated fuel expenditure to fuel stations. This arrangement follows a finance department order dated May 19.
Bank Guarantee Requirement
The advance payment will be made against an equivalent bank guarantee furnished by the concerned fuel station. The government stated that this measure has been taken to safeguard fuel availability for official vehicles in the event of disruptions in supply chains linked to geopolitical developments.
Example: Skill Development Department
On the same day, Lalit Kumar Kanhar, deputy secretary of the skill development and technical education department, wrote to the proprietor of a fuel station in Bhubaneswar, noting that the department's monthly expenditure on petroleum, oil, and lubricants for its vehicles is approximately Rs 1.54 lakh. Accordingly, the department has sought a bank guarantee of Rs 3 lakh from the fuel station to facilitate the advance payment and ensure uninterrupted supply.
Ensuring Continuity of Administrative Services
Sources indicated that this move is part of the state government's efforts to maintain continuity of essential administrative services and avoid disruptions to official transportation. The proactive step aims to mitigate any potential fuel shortage that could arise from the volatile situation in West Asia, which may affect global supply chains.
