As retail sales of automobile fuel is increasing by the year in Karnataka, oil companies are planning a significant expansion of the retail network in the State.
Petrol sales are growing at about 7 per cent and diesel at 9 per cent annually.
Three public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) — IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum — are undertaking retail outlet (petrol pump/station) network expansion in tandem with the growth in demand.
Growing demand
DL Pramodh, Executive Director, IndianOil, and State-level coordinator of theoil industry, told the media here that the expansion of the retail outlet network is being undertaken in upcoming highways, agricultural pockets and industrial hubs to meet the growing demand and for customer convenience.
The retail outlet network in rural, remote and far-flung areas is also being expanded with the intention of reaching quality product to meet the rural agricultural demand, he said.
The network expansion will generate employment opportunities also. OMCs have issued advertisements inviting applications for setting up of petrol pumps.
IndianOil plans to open 2,433 outlets, BPCL 1,450 and HPCL 1,141, totalling 5,024. According to Pramodh, reservations have also been provided to various categories for allotments.
The process of dealer selection has been simplified in line with the government’s emphasis on ease of doing business. Also user-friendly online application has been introduced. The application form has also been simplified, he said.