Following the footsteps of its rival company Indian Oil Corporation, HPCL has launched home-delivery of diesel in Mumbai and has plans to roll the service in other parts of the country.

The statement by the company said that through its 'HP Fuel Connect' service, the company will "deliver diesel to select customers having fixed equipment, heavy machinery in their premises in surrounding areas of Uran, Raigad in Maharashtra".

Initially through the service, the company would supply diesel fuel to 'static customers' that include commercial set-ups and malls using diesel as a fuel in gensets as well as transport companies that require diesel in large amounts. The statement by the company said, "This facility will immensely help those customers who were hitherto taking diesel in barrels from petrol pumps. The facility will help customers avoid time loss, additional costs, fuel losses and ensure hassle free safe delivery of diesel at their premises".

HPCL for providing home-delivery of diesel has mounted a diesel dispenser and a storage tank on a mid-sized truck. IOC commenced the home-delivery of diesel in Pune in March of this year.

For the home-delivery of petroleum products an approval from PESO is required as both petrol and Diesel are highly inflammable and as of now doorstep or home-delivery of diesel has been given a go ahead only on a trial basis. Last year, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the ministry is seeking ways to deliver fuel to customer's doorsteps to reduce long queues at fuel stations.

Diesel consumption amounted to approximately 40% of the total fuel consumption in 2016-17 at 194.6 million tonnes.

With PTI Inputs