Odisha bans sale of petrol in plastic bottles

Close on the heels of twin cases of burning by inflammable fuel of a female student and a minor girl, the Odisha government on Monday decided to prohibit the sale of petrol in plastic bottles containers.

Minister of Consumer Welfare Krushna Chandra Patra said here on Monday that the sale of petrol and diesel in plastic bottles has been completely banned in the state. The decision in this regard was taken after consultation with petroleum product distributors associations.

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Keeping in view the safety of human lives, the government directed the associations to strictly follow the rules issued by the public sector oil companies regarding the sale of petrol, the minister said.

District collectors have been asked for the on-the-spot surprise supervision of these rules. However, the rules regarding the retail sale of petrol for the use of various institutions, farmers and government offices will remain in force.

Stringent action will be initiated against those found selling petrol on the roadside, in various small shops. Similar action will also be taken against filling stations proprietors, who do not abide by the order, the minister Patra concluded.