IOC enters niche segment with Bikers Cafe to meet needs of expedition rides

As competition in fuel retailing grows, state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has launched a unique Bikers Cafe to cater to the needs of biker expeditions to the Himalayas as it looks to retain its market leadership with differentiated offerings tailored for various consumer sets.

Officials said the first such offering has been started near Shimla and more such facilities will be set up along the Chandigarh-Manali route as well as the Chandigarh-Kaza sector.

IOC has turned one of its most popular petrol pumps at Shogi just outside Shimla into a Bikers Cafe that offers services from resting area along with parking for motorcycles to utility items such as lip guard, sunscreen lotion, gloves, raincoats and tarpaulin as well as WiFi.