Indian Oil set to open auto LPG outlets across Kerala

Kerala will be the first state in the country to have auto LPG stations across its entire region. The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has lined up plans to open retail auto LPG outlets across the state in the next 3- 4 months.

The oil behemoth has already opened two such stations in the state. Work is fast progressing at 19 other places, according to B Ashok, IOC's deputy general manager and state-level coordinator for Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Detailing IOC's Kerala initiatives during the past one year, he said that Indian Oil's rural fuel outlets "� Kisan Seva Kendras "� have also proved to be a success in the state. Kerala ranks only third, after Rajasthan and Punjab, in the number of Kisan Seva Kendras in the whole of the country, Ashok pointed out.

Among other initiatives the company had rolled out for the state during the past one year, is the introduction of LPG for outboard fishing. This, currently being done in association with a private player "� Surya Marine, had proved successful in bringing down the running cost for fishermen substantially, Ashok said.

The company also introduced its branded high performance diesel, XtraMile, in four depots of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and also in the fishing sector.

The Indian Oil Corporation, during last year, unveiled a promotion drive of its XtraCare branded outlets promising exceptional service across the state and also the availability of XtraPremium and XtraMile, its high performance branded fuel brands, he added.

As part of its social health initiative, the company in association with Hindustan Latex Ltd, has installed condom vending machines at retail fuel outlets.

Further, with the active support of the state government agencies, the company had initiated measures to check the misuse of subsidised petro products like LPG, he said.

The IOC deputy general manager, who was speaking at an interactive session themed 'In every heart, in every part', organised by the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) Thiruvananthapuram Chapter, spoke of IOC's growth plans in the coming years.

Pointing out that India is at the forefront of refining capacity additions, he said that the country has a surplus refining capacity with 18 refineries at the moment.

Expressing optimism that India could emerge as a significant exporter in the Asia-Pacific region, Ashok said that the focus needs to be on upgradation in the quality and specifications of petro products.

The next few decades would call for a major investment in the oil sector, he added.