Bhubaneswar: In view of huge requirement for kerosene in Cyclone FANI-ravaged Odisha districts, one of the PSUs (public sector undertakings) will provide financial assistance through CSR fund to meet the need.

Replying to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's demand of extra kerosene in the cyclone-hit areas, Union Petroleum & Natural Gas (P&NG) Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote, "I have advised one of the PSUs under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to contribute around Rs 3.2 crore (equivalent to 1000 KL SKO on cost basis) through CSR funds to the CM Relief Fund/State Exchequer to meet the requirement."

An additional quantity of 1000 KL SKO has been made available for the State, he wrote in a letter.

Alongside, sufficient supplies of petrol, diesel and LPG have also been ensured in the cyclone affected areas in Odisha, Pradhan mentioned in the letter.

He said that his ministry and its PSUs stand committed to provide all necessary support and assistance to cyclone-affected people in Odisha.

Earlier on May 10, CM Patnaik had written to the Centre demanding release of additional 1000 KL kerosene free of cost for supply to cyclone-hit areas in the State.