HPCL continues to be an exception but seems to be losing its grip ... 
The cooking gas industry in India continues to be plagued by shortages, delays, poor services and sloppily run by state-owned firms. Amidst all these Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is a brand that stands as an true exception. A Fortune 500 company and India’s second largest oil refiner and distributor, it stands out asan efficient example. The corporation over the years has changed a lot and to customers, the most visible proof of HPCL’s new face is the spruced-up gas stations with convenience stores on their premises, mini supermarkets stocked with an array of goods and equipped with internet kiosks. It has successfully built a profitable non-fuel business through a wide range of value-added facilities, including ATMs, take-away food counters and vehicle accessories among others. HPCL was among the first in the country to introduce a co branded card (HPCL and ICICI) and had even roped in tennis sensation Sania Mirza to endorse an otherwise serious product. To build a retail brand HPCL has even introduced exclusive mobile laboratories and retail automation at select outlets. Yet, intense competition with BPCL and IOC in branded petrol segment, has somehow taken the sheen off HPCL’s face, as BPCL’s ‘Speed’ has walked away with a major market share in the category. Adding to its woes are the new private players in the category. Is Reliance all ears?
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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2008
The cooking gas industry in India continues to be plagued by shortages, delays, poor services and sloppily run by state-owned firms. Amidst all these Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is a brand that stands as an true exception. A Fortune 500 company and India’s second largest oil refiner and distributor, it stands out asan efficient example. The corporation over the years has changed a lot and to customers, the most visible proof of HPCL’s new face is the spruced-up gas stations with convenience stores on their premises, mini supermarkets stocked with an array of goods and equipped with internet kiosks. It has successfully built a profitable non-fuel business through a wide range of value-added facilities, including ATMs, take-away food counters and vehicle accessories among others. HPCL was among the first in the country to introduce a co branded card (HPCL and ICICI) and had even roped in tennis sensation Sania Mirza to endorse an otherwise serious product. To build a retail brand HPCL has even introduced exclusive mobile laboratories and retail automation at select outlets. Yet, intense competition with BPCL and IOC in branded petrol segment, has somehow taken the sheen off HPCL’s face, as BPCL’s ‘Speed’ has walked away with a major market share in the category. Adding to its woes are the new private players in the category. Is Reliance all ears?
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2008
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