SRINAGAR:After an eight-year hiatus, state-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have decided to open over 650 fuel stations across the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Officials said that OMCs, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), have invited applications from citizens to participate in bidding for fuel stations in rural and urban areas of J&K and Ladakh, including new highways and unexplored tourist destinations.
“To expedite development works and further accelerate the fast-growing economy of the country, the decision to open new fuel stations was taken,” an official said.
They added that bids have been invited to establish 643 new fuel stations across the Jammu and Kashmir union territory and 34 in UT Ladakh.
“This development comes for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir post August 2019,” sources said, adding, “the last time the expansion of OMCs’ retail network was carried out in 2018.”
Applicants have been instructed to visit the website www.petrolpumpdealerchayan.in for detailed advertisements and brochures and to submit their online applications with processing fees by 27 September.
While the availability of suitable land at the advertised locations is crucial, applicants for SC/ST locations can still apply without land initially, but they will be expected to provide land when called for.
Dharmendra Singh, Deputy General Manager (Corporate Communications) at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, stated that the new retail outlet network will further bolster the country’s economy and accelerate development activities.
“With the country’s economy experiencing significant growth, the demand for energy has increased manifold, prompting OMCs to undertake massive expansion of the retail outlet network, which will cater to emerging markets such as urban areas, upcoming highways, agricultural pockets, rural, remote, and far-flung areas.”
The officer emphasised that the network expansion will also ensure the availability of quality petroleum products to the people while creating employment opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the dealer selection process will be conducted through ease of doing business, for which OMCs have introduced user-friendly and simplified online application forms.
“The selection process will involve a computerised draw of lots or bid opening conducted by an independent agency to enhance transparency,” the officer said.
He stated that new dealership opportunities for retail outlets are considered a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to associate with Fortune 500 companies. (KNO)
