Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha government has taken a major step to improve environmental protection and public safety by outlawing the sale, storage, distribution, and transportation of petroleum products in plastic bottles and other unapproved containers. All District Collectors have received a directive from Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, directing them to make sure the order is strictly enforced in every district. Growing worries about the dangerous and unlawful practice of transferring and storing fuel, especially gasoline and diesel, in plastic bottles and other unconventional containers have prompted the decision.
The letter claims that in addition to violating a number of current rules and regulations, the practice creates major concerns, such as environmental degradation, fire hazards, and public safety problems. The Petroleum Act of 1934, the Petroleum Rules of 2002, the Explosives Act of 1884, the Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution, and Prevention of Malpractices) Order of 2005, and the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 are among the legal frameworks that support the government’s action.
It is completely forbidden to store or carry fuel in plastic bottles or other unapproved containers. To find infractions, field officers—including Tehsildars, Enforcement Squads, Police, and Civil Supply Inspectors—have been instructed to do surprise and spot inspections at retail establishments, gas stations, and other locations. Those found to be in violation of the prohibition will face immediate legal action.
Every gasoline station and petroleum dealer has been directed to properly follow these rules and post conspicuous warnings about the prohibition in both Odia and English on their property. Additionally, district administrations have been requested to gather and submit action reports every month detailing the quantity of inspections conducted, infractions discovered, and sanctions levied. It is anticipated that the state government’s proactive approach would stop risky behaviors and encourage safer, legally compliant gasoline management across Odisha.
