State oil marketing companies (OMCs) have permitted dealers to operate more than one petrol pump, paving way for emergence of small chains of filling stations in the country.
IndianOil, Bharat PetroleumNSE -0.79 % and Hindustan PetroleumNSE 0.38 % are currently in the process of appointing dealers for about 78,500 filling stations under a new guideline which allows individuals or legal entities such as companies and trusts to obtain licenses to operate more than one pump. The new rules also allow a dealer of a private oil marketer such as Reliance IndustriesNSE 1.52 % or Nayara Energy to apply for a state pump dealership, according to industry executives.
