HPCL plans to have 500 more retail outlets by March '05

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is planning to increase its retail outlets to 6,300 from the present 5,800 by March 2005 at an investment of around Rs 10-12 lakh per outlet.

"Out of the total outlets, Club HP outlets will be increased to 2,000 from the present 1,361," said S P Chaudhry, executive director- retail for HPCL.

Speaking on the sidelines of the press conference organised today to launch a sales promotion campaign, Chaudhry added, "A tender has been floated for automation of 500 retail outlets. Vendors have been shortlisted through global routes and the deal amounting to Rs 50 crore will be finalised by the year end."

HPCL has set up 50 rural pumps under the Hamara Pump programme. It plans to set up 500 such pumps in the near future. "Seven pumps have already been commissioned in the Telangana and Rayalaseema region and there are plans to another five this year. Andhra Pradesh is likely to have at least 30-35 rural pumps by March 2005," Chaudhry said.

Besides dealing with the petroleum needs of the rural customers, the pumps will also deal with agricultural needs like pesticides, seeds and so on.

"Around 100 outlets of HPCL have ISO certification and we plan to get around 250 more outlets certified by the end of this fiscal year," Chaudhry pointed out.

The company has also launched a retail identity programme called Project Aakarshan to give its outlets a distinct appearance. The Petrodesign group was given the responsibility of giving a unique image to the brand.

Under the initiative, about 120 outlets have been modernised and for this year a target of 400 has been planned. "Within the next three years, all the outlets will be modernised to give the brand a unique visual identity," he said.

Chaudhry said that HPCL has 12 mobile dispensers at present and plans to increase it to 50 by the end of this fiscal. "By the year end, we also plan to cover 180 outlets with the vehicle management system that is used to track vehicles. So far this system has only been used in Mumbai," he added.

HPCL is also undertaking a trial of marker system that is used to check adulteration of petrol products. It plans to introduce this system within a year, Chaudhry said.

HPCL had organised the press conference to launch its sales promotion campaign for the festive season. Covering 11 districts of Andhra Pradesh, this will be a loyalty-based campaign that assures prizes linked to volumes. The campaign ends on 30 November.