The Odisha government has imposed a complete ban on the sale of petrol in plastic bottles across the state, prioritising public safety and environmental concerns.
The decision was announced following a high-level meeting chaired by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra at Lokseva Bhawan. The meeting involved representatives from various petroleum associations and departmental officials to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations issued by state-owned oil companies.
Minister Patra emphasised that selling petrol in plastic bottles poses significant safety risks, including fire hazards and environmental pollution. He directed petroleum associations to comply rigorously with the guidelines and instructed district collectors to monitor enforcement at the local level. While retail petrol sales for institutional, agricultural, and government purposes will continue under existing regulations, unauthorised sales in plastic bottles at roadside stalls or small shops will face stringent action.
The minister also warned that petrol pumps or individuals found facilitating such illegal sales would face severe penalties. Representatives from petroleum associations pledged their full cooperation to support the state’s safety and environmental goals. The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Special Secretary of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Shridhar Nayak, Senior Joint Controller of Legal Metrology Harish Chandra Pattnaik, and representatives from the Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association and Bhubaneswar Petroleum Dealers Association.
This move is expected to curb unsafe practices and promote responsible fuel distribution across Odisha, aligning with the state’s commitment to public safety and environmental sustainability.
