Odisha Plans Crackdown on Illegal Petrol, Diesel Sales
The proposed measures are likely to include limits on retail fuel purchases, mandatory identity checks, and enhanced surveillance at fuel stations and kerosene depots
By : Akshaya Kumar Sahoo
Update: 2025-07-21 04:06 GMT
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is preparing to introduce new restrictions on the open sale of petrol and diesel in response to rising incidents involving the misuse of these fuels in violent attacks.
According to State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, his department is drafting comprehensive guidelines to regulate the distribution and retail sale of petrol and diesel, particularly targeting unauthorised outlets and roadside vendors. The move comes amid growing public concern over the illegal sale of inflammable fuels in plastic containers, often in violation of existing regulations.
“The department will hold meetings with officials, and a concrete decision will be taken very shortly,” said Minister Patra.
The government’s action follows recent cases of violent attacks, including the self-immolation of a student at Balasore district’s FM Autonomous College and a separate incident in Puri, where a young girl was set on fire using kerosene. Authorities have noted an emerging pattern of criminals using petrol and kerosene instead of acid in such assaults.
Fuel dealers and law enforcement officials have also raised concerns over the proliferation of illegal fuel sales.
“As petrol is an inflammable product, it should not be easily available. We have already informed the minister about the black marketing of petrol,” said Sanjay Lath, General Secretary of the Petroleum Dealers’ Association, Odisha.
Despite legal restrictions, roadside sales of petrol and diesel in plastic bottles remain widespread. Some authorised petrol stations have also come under scrutiny for allegedly violating norms by dispensing fuel in plastic containers.
In response, some fuel stations in Balasore have begun displaying warning posters prohibiting the sale of petrol in plastic bottles. However, enforcement remains inconsistent across districts.
Former Director General of Police Sanjeev Marik called for urgent action. “Strict restrictions should be placed if petrol is being illegally sold. The culprits should be nabbed and prosecuted in a time-bound manner through special courts,” he said.
The proposed measures are likely to include limits on retail fuel purchases, mandatory identity checks, and enhanced surveillance at fuel stations and kerosene depots.
No official notification has been issued yet, but officials indicated that the policy changes could be finalised in the coming days after inter-departmental consultations.