New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: People will not have to go to filling station for diesel anymore as they can buy the fuel online soon. Oil marketing companies like Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL are planning to start online retailing of diesel to cater to rural customers and commercial establishments.
The companies are awaiting a final approval from the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) before they start the online booking and delivery of diesel on the lines of delivery of LPG cylinders.
The entire process will require a new set of delivery tankers with nozzles and hosepipe fitted on them. There will be safety clearance for areas in which these tankers can move. Any congested, busy and residential areas will be strictly prohibited from home delivery as fueling requires open space. The companies have experience of supplying aviation turbine fuel on similar lines, however, it may vary slightly as conditions are different in cities and rural areas compared with airports.
Heavy traffic, narrow roads and small size retail pumps within city limits make it extremely difficult for large earth movers and loaders to come to the fueling pumps. Hence, online booking and onsite delivery would be helpful, said an official. However, the PSUs said they are mindful of their obligations and will take care of entire safety process before online booking for home delivery becomes operational.
Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had last month said that all petroleum products will soon be available on e-commerce platforms. In a tweet, he had mentioned, “Using the technological advancements in the IT & Telecom Sector we will soon be starting online home delivery of Diesel & Petrol.”