The Union government has directed oil marketing companies to add 40 lakh new LPG consumers in Odisha by 2019.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan gave this direction while reviewing LPG availability and coverage in the state yesterday. He also reviewed the status of LPG infrastructure in Odisha.

The marketing companies (OMCs) have provided about 7.5 lakh new LPG connections in the state in the current financial year.

Pradhan directed officials to set up two new bottling plants in western part of Odisha to meet LPG requirement of consumers.

He also reviewed the current status of various infrastructure projects related to other petroleum products being undertaken by the OMCs in the state.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry and all the three OMCs -- IndianOil, HPCLBSE -0.67 % and BPCLBSE -0.89 %.