Expert panel seeks public comments on easing norms for setting up petrol pumps

An expert committee set up to recommend relaxing norms for setting up petrol pumps and retailing ATF in India has sought public comments on the issue before finalising its views.

The Oil Ministry had last month set up a five-member expert committee to recommend easing of fuel retailing licensing rules.

"The first meeting of the committee was held on November 2, and the Committee desired to have the views/suggestions of all the stakeholders/ general public," a notice issued by the ministry said.

It asked for comments on the subject within two weeks.

At present, to obtain a fuel retailing license in India, a company needs to invest Rs 2,000 crore in either hydrocarbon exploration and production, refining, pipelines or liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals.

The expert committee has been asked to "look at various issues related to the implementation of existing guidelines for grant of marketing authorisation of market fuels - petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF)," the separate ministry order constituting the panel said.

The panel includes renowned economist Kirit Parikh, former oil secretary G C Chaturvedi, former Indian Oil Corp (IOC) chairman M A Pathan, IIM Ahmedabad Director Errot D'souza and Ashutosh Jindal, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas.

The panel has to furnish its report within 60 days after due consultations with stakeholders.

The panel will "review the existing architecture and extent of private sector participation in retail marketing of major transportation fuels in the country," the order said.

It will "identify entry barriers, if any, for expansion of retail outlets for private marketing companies."