Petrol & diesel to be no longer sold in plastic bottles: Odisha Minister calls high-level meeting

In the wake of the incidents in Odisha in which inflammable fuel is being used to cause harm to self and others, the sale of petrol and diesel in plastic bottles will soon be banned in the State. Following this decision, Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra called for a crucial meeting at 5 PM at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

The meeting will hold discussions with officials from the department and representatives from petrol pump associations. The agenda will focus on how to ensure proper fuel supply for farmers, boats, generators, and various types of machinery that require petrol or diesel.

The minister stated that new guidelines will be prepared to streamline the distribution process while implementing the new restrictions.

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"I got many complaints on how farmers, boats, generators and other various types of machinery will get fuel when petrol and diesel will no longer be sold in plastic bottles. I have called a high-level meeting in this regard at Lok Seva Bhawan this evening. We will discuss the matter in the presence of the departmental officials and members of the petrol pump associations. Following an elaborate discussion, a new set of guidelines will be prepared to streamline the distribution process while implementing the new restrictions," said Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.

Notably, the unchecked black market has contributed to a spike in horrific incidents in the state, where petrol and diesel are being misused for attacks and even self-immolation attempts, particularly targeting women, minors, and young girls.