Odisha Government Bans Sale of Petrol, Diesel in Plastic Bottles After Recent Burning Incidents

In a decisive move aimed at preventing the misuse of inflammable substances, the Odisha government on Monday imposed a complete ban on the sale of petrol and diesel in plastic bottles across the state.

The directive comes in the wake of two shocking incidents involving the use of inflammable fuels — one in Balasore, where a female student attempted self-immolation, and another in Puri, where a 15-year-old girl was allegedly set ablaze by three miscreants after they poured a flammable substance on her.

To curb the accessibility of such fuels for unlawful or dangerous purposes, the state government has not only banned the open sale in plastic containers but also instructed all petrol pumps to strictly refrain from selling fuel to individuals carrying plastic bottles.

The Home Department and Civil Supplies officials have been tasked with ensuring strict enforcement of the order. Fuel stations found violating the directive may face penalties, including suspension of their licenses.

“The sale of petrol and diesel in plastic bottles poses serious safety risks, both in terms of fire hazards and criminal misuse. This preventive step is necessary to protect public safety,” a senior government official said.

Authorities have also urged citizens to report any unauthorized fuel sales or suspicious activity related to inflammable substances.

The ban is expected to significantly tighten the availability of such fuels for illicit activities and reinforce public safety protocols across the state.