TNI Bureau: PCC President Bhakta Charan Das has strongly criticised the Odisha government over the reported cooking gas crisis in the state, accusing the administration of making “misleading claims” despite mounting public complaints.

In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Das said households across Odisha are facing serious difficulties due to the sharp rise in LPG prices and delays in the supply of cylinders. He pointed to long queues outside gas agencies and widespread consumer complaints, arguing that the situation contradicts the government’s assertion that there is no shortage of cooking gas.

The Odisha government, however, has maintained that the supply position remains stable. Chief Secretary Anu Garg recently reviewed the situation with officials of oil marketing companies and stated that adequate LPG stocks are available in the state, urging people not to panic.

Despite these assurances, reports from several parts of Odisha indicate persistent delays in refill deliveries. Consumers in parts of Bhubaneswar have said that even after booking cylinders 15 to 25 days earlier, many are still waiting for delivery, forcing them to queue up outside gas agencies.

Das said the situation reflects a growing burden on ordinary families already struggling with rising living costs. According to him, the steep increase in cooking gas prices, coupled with supply disruptions in several areas, has created widespread anxiety among households across the state.

He urged the Odisha government to immediately take effective steps to restore normal LPG supply and provide relief to consumers instead of downplaying the issue.

With consumer complaints surfacing from multiple districts and opposition leaders raising the matter, the LPG supply situation is gradually turning into a political flashpoint in Odisha, increasing pressure on the government to ensure timely delivery of cylinders and address the concerns of affected households.