The Odisha state cabinet has approved the scrapping of the requirement for separate permission for retail fuel outlets selling petrol to also sell diesel, a move aimed at easing business operations and removing regulatory hurdles. Chief Secretary Anu Garg announced that the cabinet cleared the repeal of 'The Odisha High Speed Diesel (Dealers’ Licensing) Order, 1979' through a fresh notification titled 'The Odisha High Speed Diesel (Dealers’ Licensing) Repeal Order, 2026'.
Background of the Decision
The decision follows advice from the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to states and Union Territories to do away with the retail sale licence requirement for high-speed diesel to promote ease of doing business. Officials stated that the move will simplify procedures, reduce duplication of clearances, and facilitate a more liberalised petroleum retail regime.
Impact on Retail Outlets
Currently, retail outlets obtain no-objection certificates from collectors and district magistrates after receiving approvals from the fire, works, revenue departments and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for setting up outlets. With the new order, they will not need to secure separate permissions again for diesel sale. However, provisions of the Essential Commodities Act will continue to govern the sale of high-speed diesel.
This reform is expected to reduce the compliance burden on fuel retailers and encourage more outlets to offer diesel, potentially improving fuel availability for consumers. The repeal order marks a significant step towards deregulation in the petroleum sector in Odisha.
