Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has repealed “The Odisha High Speed Diesel (Dealers’ Licensing) Order, 1979” in a move aimed at simplifying regulatory procedures and improving ease of doing business in the petroleum sector.The decision was approved by the State Cabinet through a new notification titled “The Odisha High Speed Diesel (Dealers’ Licensing) Repeal Order, 2026”, according to an official press release.The repeal follows an advisory issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, asking States and Union Territories to abolish the requirement of Retail Sale Licence (RSL) for High-Speed Diesel (HSD) retail outlets to remove regulatory barriers and facilitate business operations.The 1979 order had been notified under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to regulate the sale and distribution of High-Speed Diesel in Odisha.Officials said retail fuel outlets already obtain the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective Collector and District Magistrate before establishment. The NOC is granted based on clearances from departments including Fire Services, Works, Revenue and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).With the repeal of the licensing order, retail outlets will no longer be required to obtain the same clearances again for securing a retail sale licence, thereby reducing procedural duplication.The government said the move is expected to facilitate a more liberalised regulatory regime in the petroleum sector while ensuring ease of doing business.However, the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act relating to the sale of High-Speed Diesel will continue to remain applicable, the release added.
