Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, addressed the Plenary Session of the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA) Conclave, calling upon petroleum dealers across India to become active participants in the country’s energy transition.
Recognizing AIPDA as the largest national body representing fuel retail dealers, Shri Puri highlighted the need for dealers to evolve into energy entrepreneurs, aligning with India’s goals of sustainability, digital innovation, and customer-centric service.
Key Highlights from the Minister’s Address
✅ Energy Transition and Dealer Transformation
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Dealers must go beyond fuel retail and embrace green initiatives such as:
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EV charging stations
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Rooftop solar installations
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Digital dispensing systems
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Energy-efficient infrastructure
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✅ India’s Biofuel Achievements
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Ethanol blending reached nearly 20% in 2025, up from 1.53% in 2014
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Led to:
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₹1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings
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Substitution of 238 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil
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Reduction of 717 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions
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Direct payments of ₹1.21 lakh crore to farmers
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✅ Expanding Clean Energy Access
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CNG stations increased from 738 (2014) to over 8,100 (2025)
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10.33 crore LPG connections delivered under PMUY, boosting women’s health and empowerment
✅ Dealer-Centric Reforms
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Dealer margins revised in October 2024
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Intra-state freight rationalisation implemented
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Commitment to “consultation, not confrontation”
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Structured platforms for grievance redressal being strengthened
Dealers as Key Players in Energy Justice
Shri Puri praised the dealer network’s reach—from Ladakh to Lakshadweep—ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability during natural disasters, elections, and emergencies.
He emphasized their role as the “physical interface between citizens and the national energy system.”
As India moves to reduce crude oil imports and boost renewable energy, dealers must ensure the 3As of Energy Justice:
Accessibility, Availability, and Affordability.
Non-Fuel Revenue and Digital Services
The Minister encouraged dealers to explore Non-Fuel Revenue (NFR) opportunities such as:
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EV battery swapping stations
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Communication hubs
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Fintech and utility bill services
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Clean toilets and convenience stores
He stressed zero pilferage, zero tampering, and full transparency through automated billing, digital payments, and remote monitoring.
Training and Upskilling the Workforce
Dealers were urged to:
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Upskill staff in customer service, digital tools, and safety standards
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Collaborate with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for better infrastructure and service
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Participate in national efforts like public health drives, disaster management, and voter awareness campaigns
Shri Puri concluded by urging the community to redefine their role in the energy ecosystem:
“Let this conclave be not just a gathering of peers, but the starting point of a new journey—a journey that takes you beyond retail, beyond margins, and into the very heart of India’s energy transformation.”
He reiterated the Government’s continued support in strengthening the partnership between citizens, petroleum dealers, and OMCs for a cleaner, more self-reliant India.
