(a) whether the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) proposes to set up petrol and diesel pumps in the rural areas of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the norms/guidelines laid down for the purpose; and
(c) the impact of the newly set up as well as the existing petrol pumps on availability and consumption of petrol and diesel in the rural areas?
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) & (b) Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have informed that expansion of Retail Outlet network is a continuous process to ensure adequate availability of motoring fuels like petrol and diesel throughout the country. Recently, OMCs have issued an advertisement for award of new Retail Outlet dealerships including rural retail outlets on 25.11.2018. Procedure / Norms / Criteria / Reservation Policy for allotment of Retail Outlet Dealerships in the country are available on the respective websites of the OMCs i.e. www.iocl.com, www.bharatpetroleum.com & www.hindustanpetroleum.com.
(c) The new retail outlets in rural areas will help in reaching the products to the doorsteps of the farmer/rural population. Currently, approximately 16% of total sales volume of Indian Oil Corporation is sold through rural ROs. With the commissioning of rural retail outlets, the consumption is likely to increase further.
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