Meghalaya will have 233 new petrol pumps, while all 197 existing pumps should become automated by December 31 this year.
Announcing here on Sunday, deputy general manager (retail sales) of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and state level coordinator for oil industry in Meghalaya, K. Mohan told reporters that the new pumps have been classified into two categories – regular and rural.
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The oil marketing companies have issued advertisements inviting applications from prospective candidates for setting up of new petrol pumps four years after the last advertisement in 2014.
Mohan said that the proposal to set up new petrol pumps was based on a six-month study conducted in more than 350 locations, after which, 233 sites were shortlisted and proposed for the setting up of new pumps.
Out of 233, the Indian Oil Corporation will have 87 pumps, Bharat Petroleum Corporation will have 113 pumps, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation will set up 33 pumps.
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Mohan said that the process of selection of dealers would be simplified in line with the government’s emphasis of “ease of doing business” and for the first time, computerised draw of lots” or “bid opening would be held under the aegis of an independent agency to bring in more transparency.
He said that all the retail outlets (petrol pumps) will be constructed with latest technology including automation. The last date for submission of applications is December 24 this year, and applicants must offer land when called for.
Stating that expansion of petrol pumps is undertaken by Oil Marketing Companies primarily to meet the growing fuel needs and convenience of customers in emerging markets like highways, agricultural pockets and industry hubs, Mohan said that the expansion of retail outlet network would also generate employment opportunities in the state.
On an average, each pump will require at least eight persons, while one big pump would require around 20 employees.
At present, Meghalaya has 197 pumps which include, 124 IOC pumps, 44 Bharat Petroleum pumps and 29 Hindustan Petroleum pumps.
IOC manager (retail sales) Shillong Area, Ashim Paul Chowdhury said that out of 197, around 25 pumps in three districts – East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi have been installed with latest technology including automation, and the target to make the remaining pumps automated is by December 31 this year.