South Goa DM bans sale of fuel in cans, bottles

MARGAO: To facilitate smooth transportation of petrol and diesel by road in view of the large queues witnessed at fuel stations, the South Goa district magistrate, Sandeep Jacques on Wednesday, issued a notification relaxing restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles carrying petrol and diesel from Chicalim junction to Vasco city.
By the latest notification, the district magistrate has modified an earlier notification that banned movement of heavy vehicles from Chicalim junction to Vasco city between 7am and 9am, and 12.30pm and 2pm to exempt vehicles carrying MS (motor spirit) and HSD (high speed diesel) from these restrictions on timings.
Speaking to TOI, Jacques said that the notification was aimed at facilitating tankers to be loaded at the IOC tank at Chicalim and taken out for transportation by road. "The order will remain in force for the next couple of days or so, until the situation turns normal. The notification will be withdrawn thereafter," Jacques said.
The district magistrate issued an order banning fuel stations from providing petrol and diesel through cans, bottles and other such containers, stating that it was in contravention of the provisions contained in Essential Commodities Act and standing orders issued in that regard.
"Therefore, all the retail outlets of the petroleum companies are hereby directed to forthwith stop such practice of supply of petroleum products at outlets in bottles and cans except wherever permissible, as per law in force," the order reads.