Odisha directs oil companies to deny fuel to vehicles without valid PUC certificates

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at curbing air pollution, the Odisha government has instructed oil marketing companies not to supply petrol or diesel to vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

State Transport Authority (STA) chairman Amitabh Thakur has written to the state heads of major oil marketing firms, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, seeking strict enforcement of the directive across the state.

In his communication, Thakur pointed out that a large number of vehicles continue to operate without valid PUC certificates, contributing to environmental damage and posing serious public health concerns. Citing provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, he said all motor vehicles are required to meet prescribed emission norms and carry a valid PUC certificate at all times.

He emphasised that plying a vehicle without a valid PUC certificate constitutes a punishable offence. To ensure effective implementation of the law and improve compliance on the ground, the STA has directed that fuel should not be dispensed to any vehicle failing to produce a valid PUC certificate.

The letter further asked oil companies to issue necessary instructions to all fuel retail outlets in Odisha and ensure that PUC certificates are checked before supplying petrol or diesel. Thakur warned that any violation of the directive would be taken seriously and dealt with under the oil companies’ internal control and disciplinary mechanisms.

The move comes close on the heels of a similar step taken by Delhi, which enforced the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule earlier this week as part of its efforts to tackle rising air pollution levels.

(with inputs from agencies)