NEW DELHI: In an effort to tap the potential of rural India and expand business opportunities, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has decided to give a big thrust to the Kisan Sewa Kendra scheme for setting up low-cost petrol pumps in rural areas.

It has also decided to join the bandwagon of retail businesses by exploring opportunities in non-fuel retailing business in the coming months.

Talking to The Hindu, IOC Chairman, Sarthak Behuria, said with business potential in urban areas reaching a saturation point, in view of the private sector players opening new outlets, the corporation had decided to tap the huge potential in rural areas. Already, the Kisan Sewa Kendra scheme, under which low-cost Retail Outlets (ROs) are made operational, 600-odd pumps had been opened.

Mr. Behuria said IOC was also looking at expanding business in the non-fuel retail sector.

"The company has already some outlets that have convenience stores but we are looking at something beyond this. Consultants had already been appointed to suggest what should be the business pattern and our field officers and zonal offices are also undertaking studies to look into this aspect of business. Hopefully, we will be able to come out with some concrete proposals on what direction our non-fuel business will take," he said.

Mr. Behuria said the company had also tied-up with a retail store, Top Gear, to open a petrol pump in its premises. Similarly, he said the company was in the process of entering into tie-ups with leading shopping mall chains, including Pantaloons and Ansals, for opening retail outlets in their premises to allow consumers access to petroleum products.

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