Odisha Enforces Statewide Ban on Petrol Sales in Plastic Bottles to Prevent Mishaps, Illegal Trade

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has rolled out a statewide ban on the sale of petrol in plastic bottles, reinforcing safety protocols and targeting the illegal fuel trade. The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday.

Addressing officials and petroleum dealers’ associations, Minister Patra highlighted growing safety concerns, especially in light of recent fire-related incidents. He said the practice of selling petrol in plastic containers not only violates safety regulations but also facilitates black-market operations.

Emphasizing strict enforcement, the minister instructed that all petroleum dealers comply with the safety norms laid out by public sector oil companies. He added that district collectors would be responsible for monitoring ground-level implementation and taking immediate action in case of violations.

Patra clarified that while the sale in plastic bottles is now completely prohibited, legitimate supply of petrol to institutions, farmers, and government departments will continue as per existing provisions. He also warned that petrol pumps found aiding illegal roadside sales or unauthorized vendors would face stern penalties.

Representatives from key petroleum associations assured full support for the government’s decision and agreed on the need for tighter regulation to ensure public safety.

Senior officials including Shridhar Nayak, Special Secretary of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Harish Chandra Patnaik, Senior Joint Controller of Legal Metrology, and Deepak Satpathy, Deputy Director of Marketing Intelligence were present at the meeting. Kamal Sil, State-Level Coordinator of public sector oil companies, and petroleum association leaders Sanjay Lath, Mahinder Singh Kalsi, and S.K. Rahman also took part in the discussion.