Dibrugarh: Majuli district administration has issued a strict prohibitory order banning the sale of petrol and diesel in plastic bottles and other non-standardised containers, citing serious concerns over public safety, fire hazards, and violations of petroleum regulations.The order, issued by DC Srishti Singh on Monday comes in response to growing concerns that the storage and transport of fuel in plastic bottles, unauthorised cans, barrels and drums poses a significant threat to public safety, increases the risk of fire accidents, leakage, and spillage, and facilitates black marketing of petroleum products — all of which are in direct violation of the Petroleum Act, 1934 and the Petroleum Rules, 2002.Under the new directive, all petroleum retail outlets in Majuli have been instructed to sell petrol and diesel exclusively for the direct fuelling of vehicles. Pump owners and managers have been asked to ensure that all staff and attendants are adequately briefed to prevent sales in prohibited containers. Outlets have also been directed to display prominent signage discouraging customers from bringing plastic bottles or non-standard containers for fuel purchase.Additionally, petrol pump operators have been asked to report any instances of suspicious or unauthorised fuel transport or storage to the concerned authorities. In cases of genuine emergency requiring the transport of petroleum products in loose vessels, prior approval from the DC must be obtained before any such movement is undertaken.The administration has warned that non-compliance with the order will attract firm legal and regulatory action. Violators may face action under the Petroleum Act, 1934 and the Explosives Act, 1884. In serious cases, licences of errant outlets may also be terminated under the Assam Trade Articles (Licensing and Control) Order, 1982.Officials said the order is aimed at preventing accidents and curbing the illegal trade of fuel that often takes place through unauthorised channels. Majuli, being a riverine island district with unique logistical challenges, has in the past seen instances of fuel being transported and sold through informal and unsafe means.Residents and petrol pump operators have been urged to cooperate fully with the directive in the interest of public safety.
