Bhubaneswar: Consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Tuesday backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal urging people to restrict the use of petrol and diesel, saying it was made keeping in mind a possible future crisis and should not be interpreted differently.
Addressing media persons, Patra said there was no shortage of fuel in Odisha at present and supply remained stable across the state. “We should not take the appeal of the Prime Minister in a different way. The Prime Minister has just made an appeal looking at a possible future crisis and it is not mandatory for anyone,” he said.
The minister pointed out that the ongoing tension in the West Asia region could disrupt global supply chains, which may impact fuel availability and prices. “Considering the international situation, there is a possibility of fuel scarcity in the future. That is why people should start restricting fuel consumption from now on,” Patra said.
Hinting at a possible price rise in the coming days, he added, “Our neighbouring countries have significantly raised fuel prices, but we have not done it yet. Still, one cannot rule out such a situation if the crisis deepens. Currently, the central govt is bearing the burden to save common people.”
Patra also dismissed rumours about closure of petrol pumps or restrictions on bulk fuel purchases. “There is no truth to claims that filling stations will be shut due to fuel scarcity or that bulk purchasers will face restrictions. Such rumours are baseless and create unnecessary panic,” he said.
Recently, several districts reported closure of filling stations, creating a panic-like situation across the state. Patra urged people not to indulge in panic buying and assured that the state govt was closely monitoring the situation. “There is adequate availability of petrol and diesel in Odisha. There is no need to worry,” the minister added.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have raised concerns about global oil supplies. While India has not yet seen major disruptions, the government is taking preemptive steps to manage demand and stabilize markets. Patra’s statement aims to reassure the public while encouraging responsible consumption to mitigate potential future risks.
