Oil India donates Rs 3.2cr towards free kerosene for Fani-hit Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Oil India Limited today handed over cheque of Rs 3.2 crore to Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to bolster the State government's efforts in rebuilding and restoration post cyclone Fani. The company's General Manager Rajeev Singhal informed that the fund will help the people of the cyclone-affected area to get 10 lakh litre kerosene free of cost.

The Oil India Limited's move came in pursuant to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG) Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's assurance to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik earlier. Replying to Patnaik's request for extra kerosene in Fani-hit areas, Pradhan had assured to provide Rs 3.2 crore to meet the requirement in cyclone-affected areas of the State.

In a letter to Patnaik, Dharmendra had informed that he has directed one of the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the PNG Ministry to contribute Rs 3.2 crore through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) or State Exchequer to meet the needs.

This apart, the Union Minister had further said that the PNG Ministry has made provision for 'additional quantity of 1000 KL SKO (kerosene) for lifting by the Odisha government.' Dharmendra, in the letter to the Chief Minister, also informed that his Ministry and its PSUs stand committed to provide all necessary support and assistance to the State government.

Earlier on May 10, Naveen had written to Pradhan seeking 1000 KL SKO to which the latter, in a Twitter post, had replied saying there is adequate stock of kerosene to meet any future demands from the State government and adequate arrangements shall be made for delivering the same in the cyclone affected areas.