BPCL scripts new retail format with films on mind

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) is planning to revamp its one-stop truckers' shop (OSTS) model to include mini-theatres and video streaming centres. The retail revamp plan comes on the back of its third consecutive quarter loss.

BPCL had posted a net loss of Rs 1024.2 crore in the third quarter ended December 31, 2005. Sales stood at Rs 18,853.40 crore (Rs 16,567 crore. In the nine-month peroid, it earned Rs 51,076.80 crore via petroleum products sales.

George Paul, Dy GM, retail, "BPCL has OSTSs at prime locations like highways and the customer flow is high at these centres. For better utilisation of these prime spots, we are planning to introduce some new projects. Definitely, entertainment is one of them.

The concept of theatres at OSTSs will add more value to services extended to travellers."

"Currently, 65 OSTSs are up and running all over the country and we are planning to start 250 more with an investment of over Rs 500 crore in two years. Every facility will have a capital investment of Rs 2 crore. Facilities like parking, dhabas (roadside eateries), bathing, resting, toilet, smart-route map assistance, doctor-on-call and medicine kits are now available at OSTS," said S Ramesh, retail (west) general manager.

Sources said BPCL is likely to enter into a tie-up with entertainment chains for setting up theatres. The company will establish video connectivity using satellite and streaming will be point-to-point.

Earlier, BPCL had decided to add up a thriving retail plaza to its 9-acre petrol station on the Delhi-Mathura highway. Restructuring of more OSTSs into entertainment format is expected to announce soon.

"Petroleum retail majors such as Indian Oil Corporation, Reliance and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation have convenient stores, dhabbas and dormitories but video streaming and cinema hall will be an unique feature in the segment," said an industry analyst.