Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Petrol pump sellers in Odisha will no longer sell fuel in loose containers like plastic bottles. In response to recent fire-related events at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore and Balanga in Puri, Odisha Petroleum Dealers’ Association President Shashank Shekhar Sahu made the announcement.
“From tomorrow, no petrol will be sold in bottles or other plastic containers,” Sahu informed during a press briefing on Saturday. “This step has been taken after unfortunate incidents in Balasore and Puri’s Balanga, which highlighted the risks involved in dispensing petrol in unsafe containers.”
He went on to say that because petroleum products are extremely combustible, the Petroleum Act establishes stringent safety regulations for their transportation and storage.
“There are clear rules prohibiting the sale of fuel in plastic containers. Despite the law, the practice had continued at several fuel stations. Our association has now unanimously decided to enforce a complete ban on such sales. To ensure uniform enforcement, all petrol pump dealers in the state have been officially informed through WhatsApp and other channels today”, he said.
Sahu clarified that in extreme or emergency situations, fuel may be provided only after submission of valid identification, such as an Aadhaar card. The restriction has already been implemented in Balasore district and will be extended statewide starting Monday, he confirmed.
