Bhubaneswar, 22 July (H.S.) The Odisha government has initiated a statewide crackdown on the illegal sale of petrol in plastic bottles and open markets, effective from Tuesday. The move follows a series of violent incidents involving the misuse of inflammable fuels, including the recent self-immolation attempt by a student at FM College. In response, the state has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy on the unsafe handling and sale of petrol.
The crackdown began after Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra directed all District Collectors to conduct surprise inspections at petrol pumps and among informal fuel vendors. Enforcement teams have been deployed across the state to ensure strict compliance.
The use of plastic bottles for storing or selling petrol has been completely banned. Only licensed sales will be allowed in secure containers such as tin cans or glass bottles, and solely for legitimate agricultural purposes like powering grass cutters or generators.
According to the new guidelines, the sale of petrol or diesel without a valid license or in public spaces will now be treated as a serious offence. Minister Patra stated, “Petrol is highly flammable and extremely dangerous. Its misuse has resulted in multiple tragic incidents. Those found selling petrol in plastic bottles or without proper authorization will face strict legal action.”
Petrol pump owners have been instructed to cease selling fuel in containers that violate safety regulations. Permissible containers must have a minimum capacity of 20 litres and be accompanied by appropriate documentation for approved uses.
Special focus will be placed on curbing small, unlicensed fuel sales in densely populated urban and semi-urban areas. Violators may face penalties, including cancellation of licenses and criminal prosecution.
Authorities have appealed to the public to purchase fuel only from authorized petrol stations and in containers that meet safety standards. The inspection drive is expected to intensify in the coming days as part of the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda