The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, July 18, 2025 – Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has called on petroleum dealers to become active contributors in India’s journey toward sustainable and self-reliant energy. Addressing the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA) Conclave, the Minister emphasized the importance of adapting to a transforming energy ecosystem marked by green technologies and digital innovation.
During the plenary session, Puri recognized the essential role of petroleum dealers as the frontline of India’s energy network, connecting over 67 million consumers daily. He encouraged the fraternity to evolve beyond conventional fuel sales and embrace a broader vision that includes clean energy, digital tools, and customer-focused services.
Acknowledging the operational challenges faced by dealers, including margin structures and logistics costs, Puri assured that the government’s approach remains “consultative, not confrontational.” He pointed to previous efforts such as margin revisions and intra-state freight rationalization as evidence of the Ministry’s commitment to fair reforms. Structured platforms for feedback and grievance redressal, he said, will be further strengthened.
The Minister lauded India’s performance amid global disruptions like COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions, noting that the country accounted for 16% of the global crude consumption growth and is expected to contribute 25% in the coming decades. Despite volatility in global energy markets, India maintained uninterrupted, affordable fuel supplies.
Highlighting achievements in renewable and biofuels, he said ethanol blending has reached 20% in 2025 — a sharp rise from 1.53% in 2014. This led to massive economic and environmental benefits, including ₹1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings, major CO₂ emission cuts, and direct financial support to farmers. Similarly, over 8,100 CNG stations and more than 10 crore LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana reflect the government’s push toward cleaner fuels.
Shri Puri encouraged petroleum dealers to modernize retail outlets into customer service hubs. He advocated for digital payment systems, safety standards, EV charging stations, convenience stores, and fintech services — all aimed at enhancing user experience while creating new revenue avenues.
He suggested collaboration with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to integrate rooftop solar, automated fuel monitoring, and transparent billing systems to build consumer trust. The Minister also emphasized upskilling dealership staff in areas like customer engagement, digital tools, and safety compliance.
The strategic presence of fuel stations across remote and urban areas, he said, could be used to support broader government initiatives like disaster response, healthcare drives, and election awareness campaigns.
Calling on dealers to shift from being fuel retailers to “energy entrepreneurs,” Shri Puri proposed leveraging their prime locations to offer services like communication hubs, battery swapping stations, and water ATMs. He urged the community to look beyond margins and align with India’s broader mission of energy independence and sustainability.
Concluding his address, the Minister said, “Let this conclave mark a new beginning — a shift beyond fuel margins into the very core of India’s energy future.” He reassured petroleum dealers of continued government support and commended the nationwide participation of AIPDA members in shaping India’s next phase of energy development.
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