Khordha District Collector Orders Fuel Priority for Essential Services

Khordha: In a decisive move to safeguard public health and emergency response, Khordha District Collector Amrit Ruturaj has directed petrol pumps and fuel dealers to prioritise supply for hospitals, ambulances, fire services, and other critical institutions.

The order, issued under Section 34(e) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, ensures uninterrupted fuel availability for vehicles and diesel generators that sustain essential services during power outages and natural calamities.

Officials emphasised that refusal to provide fuel to authorised services will attract strict penalties, including imprisonment up to one year or fines.

In cases where denial leads to loss of life or emergencies, punishment may extend to two years.

District authorities will monitor compliance closely and act swiftly on complaints.

The directive aims to prevent avoidable tragedies during cyclones, floods, or prolonged outages, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to public safety.