Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday banned sale of petrol and diesel in plastic jerkins across the state.
The decision came amid concern over death of a female student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, who attempted self immolation after pouring petrol on herself, and the subsequent CCTV analysis, which reportedly revealed that a woman was seen buying petrol in a bottle from a filling station near the institute around the same time.
Following a meeting with Utkal Petrol Dealers’ Association General Secretary Sanjay Lath this evening, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said the rules and regulations in place to ensure proper handling of the fuel will be strictly followed.
He further stated that action will be taken against those selling petrol illegally in plastic bottles on roadsides. Raids will be conducted to implement the new rules effectively. All district collectors will be instructed accordingly, he added.
Speaking to the media, Lath reiterated the ban on sale of petrol in plastic bottles. “The petroleum rules allow people to buy a litre of fuel in glass bottles. There are approved tin and aluminium containers which customers can also use to buy 20-25 litres of petrol or diesel,” he added.
Earlier speaking to the media, Patra said that the government has to ensure proper fuel supply to farmers and fishermen, and for operating boats, generators, and various types of machinery, which cannot be brought to the filling stations. A new guideline will be brought in to streamline the process, he added.
