SHILLONG: The oil marketing companies (OMCs) have invited applications for setting up petrol pumps to meet the growing demand for fuel in the state.
K Mohan, deputy general manager (retail) of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, State Level Coordinator for Oil Industry, Meghalaya, confirmed the plan to open regular and rural retail outlets.
At present, the state has 197 petrol pumps and OMCs like Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum and Indian Oil will set up 233 more outlets in the state.
To a query, Mousham S. Khaund, the Shillong retail territory manager of Bharat Petroleum, said the existing petrol pumps will not cease to exist. Stating that retail sales of petrol and diesel are increasing at the rate of approximately 8 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively, Khaund said the expansion of retail outlet network is undertaken primarily to meet the growing fuel needs and convenience of customers at upcoming highways, in agricultural pockets and industrial hubs.
“The retail outlet network in rural, remote and far-flung areas is also expanded with the intention of reaching product, ensuring quality and correct price to meet the rural agricultural demand and people living in remote areas,” he added.
According to Khaund, the expansion of retail outlet network by OMCs is expected to generate employment. “The process of dealer selection has been simplified in line with the government’s emphasis on ‘ease of doing business’. User-friendly online application has been introduced. The application form has also been simplified. Only selected candidates will be required to produce documents. Similarly, the eligibility norms have also been relaxed,” Mohan said.
He emphasised on the availability of suitable land at the advertised location whereas applicants without land can also apply. However, they are expected to offer land when called for.
“All retail outlets will be constructed with latest technology, including automation,” he said. Khaund said it is for the first time that petrol pump selection is done online in which within one month, candidates can log in and apply online.
Monitoring adulteration
With complaints of adulteration, Mohan said customers have the right to check the quality of petrol.
“To work out issues of adulteration and short delivery, we are driving into full automation of each and every retail outlet by December 31 of this year,” he said.
“This year, all three oil companies will declare to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with an affidavit that all the retail outlets are automated and those retail outlets which are not automated by December 31 will be closed,” he added.