Odisha Bans Petrol Sales in Plastic Bottles, Launches Statewide Crackdown

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched a statewide crackdown on the illegal sale of petrol in plastic bottles and open markets, following a string of violent incidents involving inflammable fuels.

The enforcement drive began Tuesday under the direction of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.

District Collectors have been instructed to carry out surprise inspections at petrol pumps and roadside vendors. The use of plastic bottles to store or sell petrol is now completely banned.Licensed sales will only be permitted in safe containers like tin cans or glass bottles and strictly for agricultural use such as powering grass cutters or generators.

“Petrol is highly flammable and dangerous. Its misuse has already caused tragic incidents,” said Minister Patra, referencing the recent FM College self-immolation attempt. Violators will face legal action, including potential cancellation of licenses and criminal charges, he added.

The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on the unsafe handling of fuel. Fuel pump operators have been directed to refuse service to anyone using banned containers. Small-scale, unauthorized street sales in congested areas will be penalized.Authorities urge the public to purchase fuel only from authorized stations using approved containers.