Aegis Autogas plans 300 gas stations in 2-3 years

Independent autogas sourcing company Aegis Autogas plans to set up 300 new gas stations across the country in two-three years to achieve an annual sales target of 30,000 tonnes.

Aegis Autogas, which handles 2,50,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and propane through its gas terminal in Mumbai, has planned major expansion in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.

Aegis Autogas Managing Director SK Hazra on Wednesday announced the launch of company's first two gas stations in Chinchwad and Alandi (Devachi) in Pune.

With this, the company now has 24 gas stations in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters, Hazra said, "LPG consumption in India is increasing at a rapid pace as car manufacturers such as Maruti and Hyundai are developing LPG retrofit models.

"There are around five lakh vehicles running on LPG cylinders, while 10 lakh vehicles are officially using LPG as fuel. We expect auto LPG consumption in the country to touch 2.25 million tonnes annually. The sector has immense growth potential."

The company recently commissioned auto LPG stations in Davangere and Udupi in Karnataka and at Panvel in Navi Mumbai.

More outlets would be coming up soon in Valsad, Bavla, Dharampur and Patan in Gujarat, Fatehnagar and Rajsamand in Rajasthan and Shimoga and Mysore in Karnataka, Hazra said.

He pointed out that auto LPG is 40 per cent cheaper than petrol and causes less wear and tear of engines.

"Auto LPG is easily available as against compressed natural gas (CNG) and is a light fuel. Automobile companies are also promoting LPG consumption. Hence, we are setting up more and more LPG stations," he added.