(FE)
At a time when the ministry of petroleum and natural g4as is exploring ways to start home delivery of petroleum products such as diesel and petrol, Reliance Industries (RIL) is looking to enter the segment as well. According to three people close to development who requested not to be named, RIL has applied for a licence to home-deliver motor fuel to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). However, though the company has been allowed to use bowsers to transport fuel to its mobile phone towers, it has not been granted licence for fuel home delivery as of now. Reliance operates a mobile phone network under the brand Jio. An email sent to a RIL spokesperson on Tuesday, followed by text messages, remained unanswered. On April 21 this year, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan had tweeted the petroleum ministry was exploring ways to start home delivery of petroleum products. However, as reported by FE, stakeholders including the PESO, raised concerns about safety requirements regarding the programme at a meeting. PESO is the organisation entrusted with the duty to ensure safety of public and property with regards to distribution and storage of petroleum products. According to one of the persons mentioned above, home delivery of petroleum products is not allowed anywhere across the world as it is a risky affair. However, since there is a push by the government to explore the opportunities state-run Indian Oil Corporation has been asked to look for methods for trial, added the person. RIL is looking to expand its motor fuel retail business.
