HPCL aviation fuel unit sales zoom 100%

The aviation strategic business unit of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) has witnessed over a 100 per cent growth in sales over last two years since it was set up.

In 2003-2004, it achieved a growth of 25 per cent, while in 2004-2005 it grew by 47.8 per cent. During the current year, it has already witnessed a growth of 23 per cent, indicating the fastest rate of growth in the segment.

Annual sales is on target to cross 500 thousand metric tonne (TMT) in the current fiscal, from 280 TMT in 2003-2004, and 230 TMT in the previous fiscal. In the current fiscal, the target stands at 620 TMT.

The customer base has also increased from a mere three international carriers to 28, while domestic carriers' tally has risen from seven to 11 in the span of the last two years.

The new international airlines added to the client list include Air France, Al Italia, Korean Airways and UPS, all of which exclusively purchase from Hindustan Petroleum.

Airlines including Lufthansa and Emirates buy in select centres - Mumbai and Chennai respectively.

According to a company source, various measures were taken to create a unique identity for HP Aviation and to cater to the increased business opportunities, new locations have been identified and facilities at Bangalore, Goa and Pune have been commissioned, over and above the existing 10 air fuel stations.

Besides, existing locations are also to be upgraded to ensure that they are in line with international standards. The emphasis on these centres would be on refuelling equipment. Training and manpower have also been given special emphasis under this segment.

Total sales of HP for the last fiscal stands at Rs 65,000 crore, and of a total volume sales of 20,088 TMT, aviation turbine fuel accounted for 409.34 TMT.