Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at enhancing public safety and environmental protection, the Odisha government has imposed a complete ban on the sale, storage, supply, and transportation of petroleum products in plastic bottles and unauthorized containers.
A directive issued by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, has been sent to all District Collectors, instructing them to ensure strict enforcement of the order across all districts. The decision comes in response to growing concerns over the unsafe and illegal practice of transporting and storing fuel—particularly petrol and diesel—in plastic bottles and other non-standard containers.
According to the letter, the practice not only breaches several existing laws and regulatory provisions but also poses serious threats including fire hazards, risks to public safety, and environmental degradation.
The government’s action is backed by multiple legal frameworks, including the Petroleum Act, 1934; the Petroleum Rules, 2002; the Explosives Act, 1884; the Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution, and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005; and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
As per the new directive:
The use of plastic bottles or other unauthorized containers for storing or transporting fuel is strictly prohibited.
Field officers—such as Civil Supply Inspectors, Police, Enforcement Squads, and Tehsildars—have been directed to conduct spot checks and surprise inspections at fuel stations, retail shops, and other outlets to detect violations.
Immediate legal action will be taken against violators found flouting the ban.
All fuel outlets and petroleum dealers have been ordered to strictly adhere to these guidelines and display clear warnings in both Odia and English on their premises, notifying the public about the ban.
District administrations have also been asked to compile and submit monthly action reports outlining the number of inspections carried out, violations found, and penalties imposed.
The state government’s proactive stance is expected to curb dangerous practices and promote safer, regulation-compliant fuel handling across Odisha.
