Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has called on petroleum dealers nationwide to play a proactive role in India’s energy transition. Addressing the Plenary Session of the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA) Conclave, Puri emphasized the need for dealers to adopt greener practices, embrace digital transformation, and modernize their business models in line with the country’s evolving energy landscape. AIPDA remains the largest national body representing petroleum retail outlet dealers.
Acknowledging the significant role that dealers play within the energy supply chain, the Minister addressed concerns surrounding dealer commissions, rising operational costs, and related challenges. He assured attendees that the Ministry favors “consultation over confrontation.” Referring to the revised dealer margins implemented in October 2024 and intra-state freight rationalisation, he cited these as steps taken to address structural imbalances. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining robust feedback and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Reflecting on the past five years, Puri spoke about how India managed disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical tensions. Despite these global challenges, India emerged as a leader in energy growth, accounting for 16% of the global increase in crude oil consumption. Over the next three decades, the country is projected to contribute 25% of global growth in crude consumption. Throughout this period, the government has ensured uninterrupted and affordable energy access for citizens.
Highlighting major strides in the biofuel sector, the Minister noted that India has achieved nearly 20% ethanol blending in 2025—a significant leap from 1.53% in 2014. This progress has led to foreign exchange savings of ₹1.4 lakh crore, substituted 238 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, and cut carbon emissions by 717 lakh metric tonnes. Additionally, farmers received direct payments totaling ₹1.21 lakh crore. Puri also pointed to the rapid growth in the number of CNG stations—from 738 in 2014 to over 8,100 currently—and the distribution of over 10 crore LPG connections under the PMUY scheme, improving health and empowering women.
Applauding the efforts of petroleum dealers who cater to over 67 million customers daily, Puri described them as the “human interface between citizens and the national energy system.” He emphasized the critical role they play as India diversifies energy sources, reduces its dependency on crude imports, and increases its focus on renewable energy. He particularly praised the extensive reach of the dealer network, which ensures fuel availability across the country, including during emergencies, elections, and natural disasters.
The Minister urged dealers to reimagine their outlets as centers of customer service excellence—featuring digital payments, automated billing, clean and safe infrastructure, and responsive grievance handling. He encouraged the adoption of tamper-proof technologies that ensure transparency and integrity in operations. Non-fuel services such as EV charging, fintech offerings, bill payment counters, and convenience retail, he said, can provide new revenue opportunities while enhancing customer experience.
Laying out a future-focused roadmap, Puri advised dealers to upskill staff in digital tools, customer service, and safety protocols. He called for closer collaboration with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to set up EV charging stations, solar-powered infrastructure, and energy-efficient facilities. Emphasizing the value of digital dispensing systems and real-time monitoring, he said these advancements would build consumer trust and operational resilience. The Minister also underlined the dealer network’s role in supporting national missions like disaster response, health outreach, and voter awareness drives.
Puri particularly encouraged dealers to tap into the strategic locations of their retail outlets to offer additional services such as communication hubs, battery-swapping stations, water kiosks, and digital financial tools, thereby boosting Non-Fuel Revenue (NFR).
In conclusion, Puri urged the petroleum dealer community to broaden their perspective beyond retail margins and become active agents in India’s drive toward energy self-reliance. “Let this conclave be the starting point of a new journey—beyond margins, into the heart of India’s energy transformation,” he said. The Minister appreciated the vibrant participation from AIPDA members across the country and reaffirmed the government’s continued support for the mutual progress of citizens, dealers, and Oil Marketing Companies.
