IOC to set up trucker outlets

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) will woo truckers by setting up exclusive fuel outlets for them that will also have the ubiquitous dhaba, from August this year.

The oil major plans to set up 445 such outlets as part of its aggressive thrust into the retail segment.

The company will also introduce mobile petrol and diesel dispensing units to cater to the rural market. The moves come at a time when the petroleum retail segment is witnessing increasing competition with private players such as Reliance Industries Ltd and Essar Oil Ltd setting up their own outlets.

Global major Royal Dutch/Shell is also expected to set up its network during the early part of next year. In June, IOC had launched its 'Extra' branded retail outlets targeted at the urban population.

A M Nanjundan, executive director (retail development) of IOC, said "The Extra outlets are to be rolled out in 11 cities, including five metros, during this year. In the second phase, we will take it to 93 more cities and towns. And from August, we are going to introduce the trucker outlets."

These outlets will also cater to the needs of others, apart from the truckers. Apart from the dhaba, it will have wash facilities for vehicles and drivers, a place to take rest during the night hours and lot more.

Of the 445 such outlets being set up, IOC will own 95 while the rest will be run by franchisees.