Odisha Delays 'No PUC, No Fuel' Rule: What You Need to Know

The Odisha government has announced a delay in the implementation of its 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy, now set to begin on February 1, 2026. This decision aims to assist vehicle owners in obtaining necessary Pollution Under Control certificates amid reports of congestion and technical issues at testing stations. The one-month grace period will allow individuals to complete essential documentation without facing immediate fines. As the deadline approaches, vehicle owners are urged to secure their paperwork to avoid penalties once the extension expires.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 14:18 IST

Delay in Implementation of Fuel Policy

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has postponed the start date for its "No PUC, No Fuel" initiative to February 1, 2026, as announced by the State Transport Authority (STA) on Wednesday.

Initially scheduled to take effect on January 1, this policy will prevent petrol stations from dispensing fuel to vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. The STA confirmed that this extension was sanctioned by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena to alleviate the challenges faced by vehicle owners in obtaining these certificates.

The minister indicated that this one-month grace period will enable vehicle owners to fulfill essential requirements, such as renewing registration, fitness certificates, pollution certificates, and vehicle insurance, without the risk of immediate penalties.

This decision comes in light of reports detailing significant congestion and technical issues at pollution testing centers, as drivers attempted to comply with the stricter enforcement measures. The Transport Department has stated that strict penalties will be reinstated once the extension period concludes and has encouraged vehicle owners to obtain all necessary documentation promptly to avoid future fines.