Bhubaneswar, May 24 -- In a bid to reduce fuel consumption and cut government expenditure, the Odisha government has directed all departments to minimise the use of petrol and diesel in official activities across the state.

The directive was issued by the Development Commissioner on Friday following instructions from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who stressed the need for fuel conservation amid rising petroleum prices and growing financial pressure.

According to the official communication, the order will be applicable to all government offices starting from the State Secretariat to sub-divisional, tehsil and block-level offices. The directive also covers government-run and government-aided enterprises, institutions, universities an...