Govt to review petrol pump licensing norms

The government is considering further easing the norms for setting up petrol pumps in the world's fastest-growing fuel market, in light of the evolving energy security paradigm and commitment to decarbonisation, according to an official order.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

The government relaxed the norms earlier in 2019 for setting up petrol pumps, to help non-oil companies to enter the fuel retailing business.

At that time, companies with a net worth of ₹250 crore were permitted to sell petrol and diesel, provided they committed to setting up infrastructure for at least one new-generation alternative fuel, such as CNG, LNG, biofuels, or EV charging, within three years of beginning their operations.

For companies wanting to sell petrol and diesel to retail and bulk consumers, the networth criteria was set at ₹500 crore.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has now constituted an expert committee to review the 2019 guidelines for granting authorisation to market transportation fuels.