(a) whether the Indian Oil Corporation and its subsidiary IBP have targetted an addition of 1500
outlets to their existing network during the coming year
(b) whether the recent volatility in crude prices will have any impact on the IOC/IBP retail outlet expansion plans;
(c) whether private players are also entering oil retailing in a big way; and
(d) if so, whether IOC/IBP will curtail their outlet expansion targets for time being?
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS & PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)
(a): While Indian Oil Corporation Limited has tentatively planned to set up 828 retail outlets (petrol pumps)
in the country during 2005-06, IBP Co. Ltd. plans to set up 650 such outlets during that year.
(b): No, Sir.
(c): Companies in the private sector, viz., Reliance Industries Limited, Essar Oil Limited and Shell
India Marketing Private Limited, have also been authorized to market transportation fuels through their own outlets.
(d): No, Sir.