Imphal, April 24 -- Manipur's Churachandpur District Magistrate (DM) has banned the sale of petrol and diesel in loose containers, including jerrycans and plastic bottles, with immediate effect to curb hoarding, black marketing, and panic buying.

Dharun Kumar S, DM, in an order, mandated that fuel must be dispensed directly into vehicle tanks under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

The measure is designed to combat artificial shortages created by hoarding and black marketing, which are often dealt with under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act.

All retail outlets must maintain daily stock registers for inspection, ensure fair sales without discrimination, a...