The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) plans to automate 1,000 fuel stations in 2007-08 at a cost of Rs 160 crore to monitor fuel dispensation and to prevent adulteration.
IOC Director (Marketing) G C Daga told reporters here on Monday that the list of bunks for automation is being prepared.
"During the first phase, 1,000 bunks will be automated. We intend to automate another 1,000 fuel stations in the second phase. This will help us monitor fuel dispensation. Select fuel stations, out of the 16,000 fuel stations, operated by IOC and IBP will be automated," he added.
Automation will also enable IOC monitor the fuel stock at each fuel station and in turn assist it in creating indents for fresh orders.
"At the same time, we can detect any adulteration of the fuel. Automation will help us in maintaining product quality," he said.
On the retail initiatives, Daga said that IOC planned to add another 100 autorickshaw LPG dispensation stations during the next fiscal.
"At present, there are 100 autorickshaw LPG dispensation stations across the country. They will be increased to 200 next fiscal. A constraint of space in the existing fuel stations is preventing increasing the number of autorickshaw LPG stations," he said.
In Bangalore, the number of autorickshaw LPG dispensing stations will be increased to 24 from the existing 12.
IOC launched the XtraRewards, a rewards programme for customers' paying cash at fuel bunks. Customers will be awarded one point for purchasing fuel or lubricants worth Rs 75.
Points accumulated can be traded for fuel or lubricants or for gifts listed by IOC. These points are accrued even for customers paying through credit and debit cards.
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