Bhubaneswar: The state govt on Tuesday decided to tighten security arrangements around LPG dealer stations and petrol pumps across Odisha, while ensuring adequate fertilizer stock in all districts, amid concerns that the escalating West Asia conflict may disrupt fuel and essential commodity supply chains.The decision was taken after chief secretary Anu Garg chaired a high-level meeting to review and monitor the impact of the conflict on the state’s economy, a govt statement said.DGP Y B Khurania assured that police would take all necessary steps to maintain law and order around LPG outlets and petrol pumps. The move came on a day four fuel filling stations in Keonjhar reported incidents of loot.“The meeting also agreed in principle to encourage citizens to switch to electric vehicles as an alternative mode of transport, supported by a stronger EV-charging infrastructure to instill buyer confidence,” a senior govt officer said.The govt advised the agriculture department to review the availability of urea and NPK fertilizers and seek additional allocation from the Centre if required, and explore substitutes such as organic and bio-fertilizers.Development commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, additional chief secretary (home) Hemant Sharma and other senior officials attended the meeting.Officials discussed in detail the macroeconomic and sectoral implications of the conflict on India and particularly on Odisha. It was observed that the West Asia region accounts for a substantial share of India’s trade, and a prolonged conflict could push up crude oil prices, disrupt supply chains, increase freight and insurance costs, and weaken the currency—factors that may fuel inflation, widen the current account deficit and slow economic growth.A significant portion of Odisha’s exports is linked to West Asian markets, which may hit key sectors such as marine products, agricultural produce, processed minerals, chemicals and allied industries. Industries may also face raw material shortages and rising production costs. The fisheries sector has already shown stress due to falling demand from West Asian countries, while higher energy and fertilizer costs could further impact agriculture and allied activities.The meeting reviewed the measures undertaken by the Centre to ensure energy security, stabilize supply chains, facilitate exports and mitigate risks for exporters. It stressed strict implementation of these measures in the state to maintain stability in the supply chain of essential commodities like petrol, diesel and LPG, and to undertake confidence-building steps to prevent panic among consumers.The chief secretary emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of the evolving situation and its economic impact on the state. She directed departments to track sectoral developments closely, ensure timely policy interventions, and explore alternative markets and supply mechanisms to mitigate risks. She also called for quick rollout of PNG distribution systems, setting up more LNG terminals at ports to meet future needs, and ramping up coal production to reduce dependence on LPG and other petroleum products, a govt statement said.
