The Odisha government on Monday clarified that there are no restrictions on the distribution of 5-kg LPG cylinders, emphasising that vulnerable consumers like students and migrant workers can acquire them using only an identity proof, with no requirement for address documentation.
Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, said that the small cylinders are being made readily accessible through a significantly streamlined process.
“There is no restriction on 5-kg cylinders marketed by OMCs. Students, workers and migrant labourers can avail these cylinders by producing valid identity proof. No address proof is required for such vulnerable consumers,” he said.
Individuals can obtain 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders from authorised distributors through a simple procedure, and Singh noted that OMCs are actively conducting special camps at various sites to facilitate on-the-spot connections.
He further clarified that restrictions are strictly targeted at illegal vendors to protect public safety, with rigorous measures being taken against any unauthorised sellers.
The clarification follows a statement made a day earlier by Food Supplies Minister KC Patra, who suggested a halt on open-market sales due to illicit trading, a comment that drew swift criticism from the opposition BJD and CPI(M).
Singh noted that the state has already initiated a crackdown on the illegal sale and hoarding of LPG to safeguard the supply chain, particularly amid global concerns stemming from the situation in West Asia.
Assuring energy security, the Secretary confirmed that there is currently no shortage of LPG, petrol, or diesel across the state.
“While domestic LPG supply remains stable, commercial LPG supply is also returning to normal, with around 70 per cent availability restored,” he said.
Comprehensive guidelines issued by the @Food_Odisha to streamline #LPG distribution and ensure availability of 5kg cylinders across the state.
Principal Secretary Sri Sanjay Kumar Singh clarified that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol, or diesel. 5kg Free Trade LPG cylinders…
— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) April 6, 2026
“About 20 per cent of the available supply is being prioritised for essential services such as hospitals, schools, hostels and Aahar centres,” he added.
District collectors are currently leading special committees to oversee the situation and iron out logistical hurdles, while enforcement actions against black marketing and hoarding have been ramped up, Singh stated.
“So far, inspections have been conducted at 1,633 locations, leading to seizure of 3,105 cylinders and registration of 288 cases. Five persons have been arrested under the Essential Commodities Act,” he said.
Both the state government and OMCs have appealed to consumers to use digital booking systems for LPG to ensure transparency.
