Bhubaneswar: Petrol pump dealers across Odisha will stop selling fuel in loose containers such as plastic bottles from Monday onwards.
The decision was announced by Shashank Shekhar Sahu, President of the Odisha Petroleum Dealers’ Association, in the wake of recent fire-related incidents at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore and Balanga in Puri.
“From tomorrow, no petrol will be sold in bottles or other plastic containers,” Sahu informed during a press briefing on Saturday. “This step has been taken after unfortunate incidents in Balasore and Puri’s Balanga, which highlighted the risks involved in dispensing petrol in unsafe containers.”
He added that petroleum products are highly inflammable and their storage and transportation are governed by strict safety norms under the Petroleum Act.
“There are clear rules prohibiting the sale of fuel in plastic containers. Despite the law, the practice had continued at several fuel stations. Our association has now unanimously decided to enforce a complete ban on such sales,” he said.
While acknowledging that the regulation already exists, Sahu admitted that compliance has been inconsistent.
“To ensure uniform enforcement, all petrol pump dealers in the state have been officially informed through WhatsApp and other channels today,” he said.
Sahu clarified that in extreme or emergency situations, fuel may be provided only after submission of valid identification, such as an Aadhaar card.
“Even in such cases, proper documentation will be mandatory,” he emphasised.
The restriction has already been implemented in Balasore district and will be extended statewide starting Monday, he confirmed.
