MANNARKKAD: The proposal not to supply fuel in bottles from petrol pumps is posing practical difficulties for the general public. This ban was enforced following incidents in which women were attacked using petrol in in certain parts of the state.

Two-wheeler commuters are particularly affected by this ban. Consequently, travellers who unexpectedly run out of petrol on the highway are facing significant hardships. In the past, this problem could have been resolved by purchasing a small bottle of petrol but due to the ban, this option is no longer available. This has led to situations where people must push their vehicles or transport them in larger vehicles to reach the nearest petrol pump.

Many members of the public are questioning the practicality of implementing such a ban throughout the entire state considering that there have only been isolated incidents in certain areas. This has also led to verbal disputes with petrol pump staff.

The police have issued strict instructions not to dispense petrol in bottles and fuel companies have been directed to comply with this order. Rigorous inspections including the use of CCTV cameras are being conducted. Despite understanding the difficulties faced by the local population, petrol pump operators find themselves unable to comply with the order.