FAQs

I want to do business with IndianOil by opening a petrol pump. What is the procedure for the same?

Thanks for the interest shown by you in opening a Petrol Pump (Retail Outlet) Dealership of IndianOil.

We would like to bring to your notice that we set up Retail Outlets at a given location based on the feasibility study conducted by our field team. If the location is found feasible and included in our Marketing Plan, then an advertisement is published in the newspapers inviting offers from interested persons. An interested person is required to submit application along with prescribed documents and the selection is done as per extant guidelines for selection of retail outlet dealers.

In this regard, the brochure containing guidelines for selection of Dealers for Regular and Rural Retail Outlets is also hosted on our corporate website www.iocl.com

IndianOil for You > IndianOil for Channel Partners > RO KSK dealerships > Guidelines On selection of Dealers for Regular & Rural Retail Outlets Alternatively you can also get in touch with our Retail Divisional Office/Field Officer concerned whose contact details are available at IndianOil Retail Outlets (Petrol Pumps) in your area.

I want to do business with IndianOil by opening an Indane LPG distributorship. What is the procedure for the same?

Network expansion has been an important business activity of IndianOil for increasing the reach of petroleum products, including LPG, across the country. IndianOil is engaged in appointing new LPG Distributors and providing accessibility of LPG to households as a continuous business process.

Public Sector Oil Companies are not vested with the authority to allot any Public LPG Distributorship to an individual / non-individual directly, whether on compassionate grounds or otherwise.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs, that is, IndianOil, HPC and BPC) plan to set up LPG Distributors at a given location based on the feasibility study conducted by our field team. If the location is found feasible and included in our Marketing Plan, then an advertisement is published in the newspapers jointly by the OMCs inviting applications from eligible candidates for appointment of LPG Distributors. Interested eligible persons are required to submit the application and the selection is done as per extant guidelines for selection of LPG Distributors. Interested persons can apply for selection of LPG distributorship for a location in response to the advertisement as and when released, if eligible. LPG distributorship is allotted by selection process through draw of lots out of all eligible applicants.

Detailed guidelines on eligibility, infrastructure requirements of land for LPG godown / LPG godown, approach road for godown, showroom, infrastructure for home delivery of cylinders etc., along with the details of selection process are given at www.lpgvitarakchayan.in

The applicants for Sheheri, Rurban & Gramin category of Distributor locations need to apply online for which a portal – ‘LPG Vitrak Chayan’ with URL www.lpgvitarakchayan.in has been created by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). All candidates applying online have to register themselves on the website, fill in the details online and deposit the requisite application fee to the OMCs through online payment. The application should be submitted before the last date and time stipulated in the advertisement. The applicant need not submit / upload any certificate or undertaking at the time of application. Only a soft copy of his/her photograph and soft copy of signature need be uploaded.

For applying for Durgam Kshetriya Vitrak (DKV) locations, the application process is at present on manual mode, i.e., physical submission of filled in application at our Area Offices, the contact details of which are given in the advertisement.

For any query, you can get in touch with our Indane Area Offices concerned whose contact details are available on the website www.iocl.com or the website https://indane.co.in/new_offices.php

I want to be a direct supplier/buyer for import/export of crude oil and/or petroleum products. How do I go about it?

IndianOil not only imports crude oil, LPG and LNG, but also imports and exports other petroleum products through tendering procedure from suppliers / parties registered on its approved mailing list(s).

To register on IndianOil's approved mailing list(s) as a direct supplier or buyer for import or export of crude oil, LPG, LNG and petroleum products, please visit IndianOil for Suppliers section of our website (www.iocl.com) for registration as Vendor.

How do I get a new domestic (14.2 kg/5 kg cylinder)Indane connection? Where is my nearest LPG distributor located?

Indane is available for domestic use generally in 14.2 Kg capacity cylinders and is also available in 5 Kg capacity cylinders in select few cities primarily in hilly / rural areas in the country.

New LPG Connections are now available on demand across the country. In case you do not have an LPG connection from any of the PSU Oil Companies in your household and you have a separate cooking area in your house you can have an Indane domestic connection in your household. For a domestic connection, you can visit nearest Indane distributor serving in your area and register for the connection with a valid proof of identity and residence. One of the following documents can be produced for proof of residence: -

  1. Ration Card
  2. Electricity Bill
  3. Telephone Bill
  4. Passport
  5. Employer's Certificate
  6. Flat allotment / possession letter
  7. House registration papers
  8. LIC policy
  9. Voter's Identity Card
  10. Rent Receipt
  11. PAN card issued by the Income Tax department
  12. Driving License
  13. Aadhaar Letter - Click to Download Sample Copy

Note: In Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, as per the requirement of the State Government, Ration Card is a must for issue of new connection for prospective domestic LPG customer.

Accessories/Deposits
On registration, the distributor will send you an intimation letter through registered post. You need to carry the letter and the envelope to the distributor to avail the connection

The Indane connection will be released to you immediately. However before release of an LPG connection, you should be in possession of an ISI mark Hotplate conforming to IS:4246 and a Suraksha LPG hose confirming to IS:9573 (Type IV), so that after release of your Indane connection, it may be installed at your residence immediately. For release of your Indane connection you will be required to pay security deposit at the following rates:

States Cylinder Pressure Regulator
North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Manipur Rs 2000/- for 14.2 kg cylinder. Rs 1150/- for 5 kg cylinder. Rs 200/-
Rest of India Rs 2200/- for 14.2 kg cylinder Rs 1150/- for 5 kg cylinder. Rs 250/-

What Are the Standard tariff Rates applicable for Indane Services?

Various approved Indane tariff rates are as follows :-
SL. No. Tariff Head Amount(in Rs incl.GST)
1(a) Security Deposit for Cylinder (14.2 kg) :- in the rest of India, except North Eastern States
&Security Deposit for Cylinder (14.2 kg):- in the seven North Eastern States
2200/-
2000/-
(b) Security Deposit for Cylinder (5 kg) 1150/-
(c) Security Deposit for Cylinder (19 kg) 2400/-
(d) Security Deposit for LOT Valve 1500/-
(e) Security Deposit for Cylinder (19 kg with LOT Valve) 3900/-
(f) Security Deposit for Cylinder (47.5 kg) 4900/-
(g) Security Deposit for Cylinder (47.5 kg with LOT Valve) 6400/-
(h) Security deposit for Cylinder (10kg Composite) 3500/-
(i) Security deposit for Cylinder (5 kg Composite) 2200/-
2 Security Deposit for Pressure Regulator:- in the rest of India, except North Eastern States
&Security Deposit for Pressure Regulator:- in the seven North Eastern States
250/-
200/-
3 Mechanic visit charges (other than leakage)for:
Inspection of hotplates at the time of release of new connection to be done after cleaning the hotplate (in case the hotplate is not purchased from the LPG Distributor)
Or Mandatory Inspection of domestic installation to be done after cleaning the hotplate(Once in Five years and charges are same irrespective of number of burner in stoves)
Or Servicing of hotplate
Cooking Range, Cooking Hobs and Auto-ignition hotplates
236/-
4 Suraksha LPG hose
1.2 Mtr
1.5 Mtr
170/-
190/-
5 Visit &Administrative charges for release of New connection and preparation of SV at doorstep of customer (excl. statutory charges levied by State, if any) Not applicable for online connections with digital payments and connections release from Showroom 118/-
6 Installation/Demonstration charges for New Connections ( with SBC or DBC) / installation charges for DBC 118/-
7 Collection of Equipment from customer premises for preparation of TerminationVoucher on request of customer 118/-
8 Administrative charges for issuance of Domestic Gas Customer Card (DGCC) including cost of DGCC 59/-
For the customers under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
9 Installation of equipment and demonstration charges for release of new LPG connection to BPL families including Inspection of hotplates of LPG equipment 75/-
10 Administrative charges for issuance of Domestic Gas Customer Card (DGCC)(including cost of DGCC) 25/-
11 Mandatory Inspection of domestic installation to be done with cleaning the hotplate. (Once in Five years and charges are same irrespective of number of burners in stoves) 59/-
Kindly note :- All charges are inclusive of GST

Do I need to buy a hotplate from the LPG distributor only?

It is not compulsory to buy hot plate from the Distributors. A customer can buy BIS approved Stove from any source of his choice. However Distributors are advised to keep high thermal efficiency i.e. fuel saving and better quality LPG Stoves for offering to existing and prospective customers. For availing of a LPG connection, a customer should be in possession of an ISI mark hotplate and rubber tube.

Incase you have an ISI mark hotplate available with you, the distributor shall check it at your premises against a nominal payment (as per the table given above) The distributor has to complete such an inspection within 7 days from the date of such a payment by the customer.

What do I need to check when I receive my refill?

You may undertake simple checks at the time of your refill receipt :-
Check the seal of the cylinder
Check the safety cap. It should not have any cracks
Remove safety Cap and check for leakage from the valve. Usually in case of any leakage from the Cylinder valve, the safety cap will pop off at the time of removal. This can be further reaffirmed by placing your thumb on the cylinder valve
Get the new cylinder connected with the hotplate and make sure that no leakage is observed.
Pay the cash and acknowledge the 2nd copy of the cash memo / refill voucher

How should I maintain my domestic LPG installation?

The following steps may be followed as a part of regular maintenance
  1. Clean the hotplate after each cooking
  2. Clean the Suraksha LPG Hose with wet cloth periodically
  3. Keep the pressure regulator knob closed when not cooking
  4. Clean up the choked holes of the burner, when it is cooled off

Whom can I contact in case I need some assistance?

For any assistance pertaining to supply of Indane supplies your distributor is always at your service to help you, however if you desire you may contact our Customer Service Cell or our Officer. At Indane Showroom name and telephone number of our officer is displayed.

Do I have to get my domestic installation checked?

Safety audit of the domestic installations should be carried out once in every five years. Your Indane distributor's trained mechanic carries out such an audit at your place. You need to pay nominal charges to your distributor for which a receipt will also be issued to you. The mechanic carries an identity card with him confirming his identity as an authorized person from your distributor for carrying out such an inspection. case of doubt, you may ask him to identify himself.

How do I transfer my Indane connection?

In case you are shifting your residence, you may follow either of the following options :-

Within the same distributor's area of operation --
Advise your distributor your new address with supporting proof of residence so that he effects the change in his records and your future supplies shall then be sent to your new place of residence.

Within the same town --
In case your present distributor does not service your new place of residence, you may approach your Indane distributor with your original Subscription Voucher (SV). The distributor shall prepare a transfer termination voucher (TTV) for the place of your new residence. You can then approach the nearest Indane Distributor serving your new place of residence along with proof of residence, TTV and DGCC booklet (Domestic gas consumer card) The distributor shall prepare a Transfer Subscription voucher (TSV) against your TTV and shall provide you a new consumer number. These details will be updated in your DGCC booklet, (Domestic gas consumer card) .

In this case of a shift of residence within the same town you are not required to surrender your equipment. Hence you need to carry your Indane domestic cylinder and pressure regulator to your new residence.

While getting transferred out of town --

In case you are transferred outside the town, you are required to surrender your Indane equipment viz. cylinder and pressure regulator to your Indane distributor. In such a case, you may approach your Indane distributor with your Subscription Voucher (SV) or Transfer Subscription Voucher (TSV) as the case may be & Domestic Gas Consumer Card (DGCC) along-with your Cylinder/s and Pressure Regulator. The distributor in turn will prepare a Termination Voucher (TV) in your name for your new place and refund the deposit held against the Cylinder/s and Regulator. Upon your request, the distributor will arrange to collect Indane equipment from your premises, subject to payment of applicable charges. You will also be guided to the nearest Indane distributor for future service. At the new place you can approach the nearest Indane distributor for resuming your Indane supplies.

How do I get a new connection for non-domestic, i.e. commercial/industrial (19 kg cylinder) use?

In case you intend to have LPG supplies for commercial or Industrial use, you can avail Indane connection in 19 kg or 47.5 kg capacity cylinders. Non-Domestic connections are released at following security deposit rates: -

19 kg Cylinder with SC valve Rs. 2400/- per cylinder
19 kg Cylinder Rs with LOT valve 3900/- per cylinder

47.5 kg Cylinder with SC valve Rs. 4900/- per cylinder
47.5 kg Cylinder with LOT valve Rs. 6400/- per cylinder

Pressure Regulator (PR) Rs. 250 per PR

As per the rules laid down by Department of Explosives, LPG can be stored up to 100 Kgs without an explosive license in unconnected cylinders. Hence, in case your requirement is up to 100 Kgs you can have a gas connection from your nearest Indane dealer for your industrial / commercial usage.

However, in case your LPG requirement for industrial/ commercial usage warrants higher storage of LPG, you will be required to install a manifold where all the cylinders are to be kept connected for supplying LPG to the end usage area through a network of LPG pipelines. The design, installation, testing and operation of such LPG installations should confirm to IS: 6044 (Part 1-2000). Such industrial / commercial connections, requiring LPG manifold installations are normally released after a safety audit by the IndianOil officer for the benefit of the consumer.

For all necessary technical help and release of connection you can contact nearest Indane Area Office in this matter.

How can I buy bulk LPG?

In case you require bulk LPG for your industrial/ commercial uses, you may contact the nearest Indane Area Office for necessary assistance.

What are high thermal efficient LPG stove and what are the advantages of high thermal efficient LPG stoves marketed by Indane distributors?

LPG stoves marketed by the Indane distributors are of high thermal efficiency which is min 68% and is conforming to IS 4246. The other advantages are as follows:

  1. It is manufactured in a dedicated production line with stringent quality control checks.
  2. Each piece is serially numbered and properly documented
  3. Each thermal efficient LPG stove carries a copy of BIS certificate and sold in a special packaging as per laid down specifications.
  4. Warranty on Thermal efficient LPG stove is for 3 years as compared to 1-year warranty on other LPG stoves

What is Suraksha LPG hose and what are its special features ?

Suraksha LPG hose is patented and manufactured by LERC (LPG Equipment Research Centre, Bengaluru ) approved and BIS approved manufacturers as per IS - 9573: 1998 Type-4. It is manufactured under stringent quality control checks on raw materials and during its processing stage and on finished products. Its salient features are:

  1. Three layered construction i.e. inner and outer layers are made of special quality rubber and middle layer made of braided Copper / Brass coated high carbon steel wire mesh which eliminates various deficiencies of rubber tube.
  2. Suraksha LPG hose has longer life of 5 years.
  3. Suraksha LPG hose is crack proof, rodent cannot cut through steel braided wire mesh.
  4. Outer layer is fire resistant and Weather & abrasion resistant.
  5. Each tube carries the details of batch no., month/year of manufacture, replace before Month/year.
  6. Each tube is packed and sold in a specially designed pouches. Details such as manufacturer, MRP, Length of piece, instruction card and safety tips for usage of LPG & Suraksha LPG hose are printed on each pouch.

What are the value added services offered by Indane Distributors to their customers?

Indane Distributors are offering value added services to their customers by way of offering products / services at highly competitive prices under one roof such as high Thermal efficient LPG Stoves, Higher safety longer life Suraksha LPG Hose, Fire Retardant Suraksha Kitchen Aprons, BIS approved Portable Fire Extinguishers for homes, e booking of Railway tickets Flame type LPG Gas lighters, domestic cylinder trolleys etc. Few more value added products / services for the benefit of the customers are being planned.

What is LPG?

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a mixture of hydrocarbons, which are in gaseous state at ambient temperature and pressure but these are liquefied under pressure for easy storage, handling and transportation in pressurized vessels. It is obtained through Crude Oil refining or from Natural Gas through fractionation. Butane and Propane are the main constituent hydrocarbon's in LPG. Others present in traces or small fractions are Iso-butane, butylene, n-butane, propylene etc. LPG is highly inflammable. LPG is odourless , color less and is heavier than air. Ehtyle Mercaptan is added as odouriser for detection of any leak. LPG as per IS: 4576 is being marketed in India.

What are the uses of LPG?

LPG is one of the safest, economical, eco friendly healthy cooking fuels for all. LPG is being used a cooking fuel's in most urban and semi urban household's. The rural population is also increasingly using it.

Besides domestic usage, LPG is often used as an efficient source of energy in various industrial and commercial applications. Some of the important areas where LPG is used extensively are:

Usage Sector Applications
Metal cutting Provides stable high temperature required for the purpose. Also provides clean cuts.
Kiln and Furnaces Used In incinerators, crematoriums, ceramic and brick kilns, For heat treatment etc.
Process Industries Extensively used in Glass, automobile and textile industries for glass blowing, paint drying/ surface coating and singing activities. Also used by Electronics industry involved in TV picture tube manufacturing etc.
Fabrication Used for providing homogeneous temperature bath required for melting operations with lead, sulphur and carbon free burning ensuring high quality of production specification
Poultry Used for used in Poultry rearing with accurate temperature controls
Aerosol Used as an propellant in aerosol cartridges
Industrial processing Used for instant and controlled drying processes right from curing of fibre glass to tea leaves drying and dry roasting of nuts
Radiant Heating Used for heating purposes both in homes and industrial and commercial complexes
Generators Used as a clean eco friendly fuel for running the generators even in the closed premises
Hotels and Cook Houses Used for all possible cooking skills from boiling, stewing, simmering, baking, grilling and roasting to braising

Why do I find sweating on the cylinders?

If the rate of withdrawal of LPG is higher than the designed rate, the cylinder starts sweating and you would see condensation on the body of the cylinders. If the cylinders in the manifold are regularly sweating, it is advisable to check your LPG consumption rate vis-Ã -vis the Cylinder manifold design. Consult your nearest Indane Area Manager or a technical consultant, you may require to increase your cylinder manifold bank.

Why does the flame lift from the burner port?

The right mix of LPG and air is required to give you the best blue coloured flame at your burner port. In case of any imbalance of Air-LPG mixture such things can happen. If air is more in the combustible mixture, the flame will lift off the burner port. You may get your burners checked as they may require a little repair or cleaning etc to ensure right combustible mixture at the burner port. In case the pressure is higher than the designed rating, the flame may lift off the port. Please get the pressure regulator checked.

Are there any design specifications for the LPG cylinder manifold?

LPG cylinder manifold should be designed and tested as per IS – 6044 (Part 1) : 2000

What is the procedure to maintain the quality of cylinders?

LPG Cylinders are manufactured as per BIS 3196 through manufacturers approved by the Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur (CCOE) and having BIS license. Each and every new LPG cylinder is checked at various manufacturing stages and marked by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) after various tests carried out as per the BIS codes and Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004, before putting them into circulation by the Public Sector Oil Companies.

Thereafter, each LPG cylinder is checked at the LPG Bottling plants and only the ones which are meeting the Standards as specified in the Gas Cylinder Rules are filled, checked and sent to the Distributors for distribution to the customers. All new LPG cylinders are required to be put to first Statutory Testing after 10 years. Thereafter, the cylinders are put to statutory testing every 5 years. Such testing of LPG cylinders is done through agencies approved by CCOE as specified in The Gas Cylinder Rules 2004 and once again put into circulation only if the cylinders pass the required Pressure Tests.

What is the procedure for repairing/replacing damaged cylinders?

LPG cylinder found requiring repairs is put to Hot repairs once in its lifetime as per IS code of practice. Each and every Hot repaired cylinder is also certified for use by BIS and is accordingly put into circulation. Any LPG cylinder which has undergone one Hot repair, if it is found damaged subsequently, is scrapped.

IOC strictly follows the above and introduces new LPG cylinders as replacement to the cylinders scrapped.

Is it possible to know when a particular cylinder is scheduled for testing?

On one of three vertical stay plates (side stems) of the LPG cylinder, the date is coded alpha numerically as A or B or C or D and a two-digit number following this e.g. D10. The alphabets stand for quarters - A for Qtr. ending March (First Qtr), B - Qtr. ending June (Second Qtr), C-Qtr. ending Sept (Third Qtr), &D for Qtr. ending December (Fourth Qtr). The digits stand for the year when the cylinder is due for Statutory testing as explained above. Hence D10 would mean that the particular cylinder is to be taken for the next Statutory Testing by December 2010.

In any case, this is not the date of EXPIRY of PHYSICAL LIFE of the CYLINDER

It is further clarified that, during service, every empty LPG cylinder when it comes from the Distributor to the Bottling Plant for filling, is checked for its condition including the marked date for Statutory Testing due. Cylinders due for testing are segregated and sent for testing.

Every cylinder after its filling with LPG is checked for correctness of its weight and soundness, before despatch to the Distributors. Every care is taken to ensure that cylinders which are safe for use are only sent to our Distributors for further distribution. It means if a customer gets a cylinder in June 2010 with marking as B10, it does not indicate that the physical life of the cylinder has expired. It only means that this cylinder is due for Statutory testing by end June 2010.

What is Auto Gas?

Autogas is the brand name of Auto LPG marketed by IndianOil.

How many Autogas Dispensing Stations (ALDS) does IndianOil have? How many more have been planned?

As on date, 368 ALDS have been set up in Metros / Major Cities. Another 3 ALDSs have been mechanically completed & are likely to be commissioned within two months.

Indian Oil ALDS are available in 202 cities of India. ALDS contact details(address & phone no.) are available on website www.iocl.com

Based on the demand, ALDSs will be set up in various other cities .

Currently the ALDS are being set up at existing petrol stations. Does IndianOil have any plans to have dedicated and stand alone ALDSs.?

Presently ALDS are being set up at existing petrol stations only.

What is the volume of AutoGas sold during 2012-13 by IOCL?

AUTO LPG SALES IN MT:

Indian Oil Corporation – 110601 MT

What are the economic advantages of AutoGas in comparison with petrol?

A) The consumption of AutoLPG is approx. 5 to 10 % more as compared to petrol for running the same number of kilometers. However, the price of AutoLPG per liter is apprx. 17.7% less than petrol (for Mumbai). Hence , there is saving of almost 7.41% on fuel cost. B) The table below indicates the advantages of AutoLPG vis a vis petrol (for Mumbai):

BENEFIT TO CUSTOMERS: AUTO LPG VS MS
(As on 06.01.2014)

Description Delhi Mumbai
LPG MS LPG MS
Mileage (Km/Litre) 16 18 16 18
Conversion Cost (Rs) 18000 - 18000 -
Fuel Prices, Rs. / litre 60.39 72.43 66.92 81.31
Cost Per KM 3.77 4.02 4.18 4.52
Savings, Rs. / Km 0.25 - 0.33 -
Saving in % 6.20 - 7.41 -
Break enent at Kms 72140 - 53776 -

What are the environmental advantages of AutoLPG?

The exhaust emissions of vehicles running of AutoLPG emit

What are the safety rules that need to be followed in using Autogas?

Conversion kits approved by authorized Govt Agencies like ARAI (Automobile Research Association of India , Pune ) and VRDE ( Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, Ahmednagar) only should be used.

There have been concerns raised on the quality of conversion kits. How is this being tackled?

  1. The cost of legal conversion ( including approved conversion kit, CCOE approved LPG fuel tanks, piping, fitment charges and RTO endorsement ) is approx. Rs.15000/- to Rs.25000/- depending on type of vehicle.
  2. However, lot of spurious conversion kits with domestic LPG Cylinder have been introduced in the market (illegal and without RTO approvals) which cost only Rs.5000/- to Rs.8000/-. These spurious kits do not yield optimum engine performance and emissions. The use of domestic LPG cylinder coupled with the entire fitment done by road side untrained mechanics further increase the safety hazards.
  3. Awareness is being created through periodic press advts. Urging the customers to buy approved conversion kits only.

Is Autogas possible to use in Two Wheelers?

Autogas can be used for all petrol driven vehicles ( spark ignition engines) including two wheelers. AutoLPG is permitted to be used for 2/ 3 / 4 wheelers.

What are the advantages of Autogas over CNG which is also eco-friendly?

Parameter Auto LPG CNG
Fuel Quality Stable Quality, since produced in Refineries under controlled conditions. Varying composition since it is supplied direct from the wells without any processing.
Delivery Pressure 10 bar 200 bar
Refuelling Time Like MS, 3 to 4 minutes , liquid handling. High refueling time of 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the differential pressure , gaseous handling.
Engine Performance Better than Petrol under high speed and heavy load conditions. Due to impurities, adverse engine performance under high speed and heavy load conditions.
Availablity Can be made available in any part of the Country by installing Storage facility. Presently Industry ALDS available in about 350 cities Available only on select cities where pipeline has been laid.
Cost of Dispensing infrastructure 40 lakhs at an existing Retail Outlet. 150 lakhs at an existing Retail Outlet.
Cost of conversion of vehicle Rs.15000/- to Rs.25000/- Rs.35000/- to Rs.40000/- (for 3 /4 wheelers). Rs.300000/- for buses.

Finally what safety tips, statutory checks, etc.,should a customer keep in mind when installing a LPG kit?

Conversion kits approved by authorized Govt Agencies like ARAI (Automobile Research Association of India , Pune ) and VRDE ( Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, Ahmednagar) only should be used.

Only fixed LPG tanks should be fitted in the vehicle. Domestic LPG cylinders should not be used as they are potential safety hazards. The conversion of the vehicle to run on LPG ( Retro-fitment) should be carried out at an authorized conversion center approved by RTO. The RC book should be endorsed by the RTO once the conversion of the vehicle is completed.

Refuelling of AutoLPG should be done only at AutoLPG dispensing stations set up by IOCL / Oil Companies at existing Retail Outlets Safety Tips : • The CCOE-approved LPG fuel tank has a multi-function valve which does not allow filling of fuel beyond 80% of the tank capacity. Consumer must ensure that the fuel is not filled beyond 80 % of the tank capacity.

Statutory Checks : -The LPG fuel tank has to be hydro-tested every 5 years through CCOE approved agencies.

What is the procedure for getting appointment as officer in IndianOil?

Recruitment of officers in IndianOil is done either through campus selection (from short listed campuses) or open selection i.e. by advertising in the leading newspapers including Employment News. Induction is done at the junior most level that is Grade ‘A’ and mid level inductions are not practiced in our organization. Candidates interested in joining our organization can apply against the advertisement on our website in the prescribed format on fulfilling the eligibility criteria. They will have to undergo a written test after which the short listed candidates will be invited for GD/GT/ Interview. Based on the number of vacancies as well as reservations as per Government guidelines, candidates are short-listed for offering appointment letters.

How can I get a job in IndianOil?

You can avail the opportunity by responding to our press advertisement on fulfilling the eligibility criteria specified in the same. Please refer to the answer for FAQ no 1 for remaining details.

I am forwarding my bio-data. Please consider my candidature for a job in IndianOil.

Applications are considered only against the press advertisement in the prescribed format on fulfilling the eligibility criteria. We do no accept random applications. You may kindly keep a look out for our press advertisements and submit your candidature in the format as specified in the advertisement.

How fuel supplies to bulk consumers are made?

On being approached by a bulk consumer, the field officer of IndianOil visits the site and assesses the requirement, storage, dispensing equipment (if available), NOC and explosive licenses and handling capability of the consumer. Upon assessment, IndianOil' s Divisional Office completes required formalities for relevant supplies from designated nearest supply point. In case, the bulk consumer does not have storage and handling facilities, IndianOil considers providing bulk storage / dispensing facilities. It is called a Consumer Pump for which an agreement is signed between the consumer and IndianOil.

What is system of procuring MS, HSD & SKO from IndianOil?

The bulk consumer approaches INDIANOIL with the request for supply of requisite products viz. MS, HSD or SKO citing its usage and quantity. On approach by consumer, same method is followed as given above in answer 1.

Do we require any licenses for storage and dispensing of MS, HSD and SKO?

Yes. MS, HSD and SKO are petroleum products, which require Explosive License as per Indian Petroleum Rules, 2002 by Govt. of India. As a pre-requisite of Explosive License, No Objection Certificate (NOC) is to be obtained from District Magistrate / Collector and then Explosive License is to be applied to Chief Controller of Explosives Office, Nagpur or to his subordinate Regional Office in the particular Zone. For dispensing of fuels through dispensing pump or flow meter, stamping of dispensing pump or flow meter is to be got done as per procedures of Local Govt. bodies at regular frequencies.

What is the procedure for getting a Consumer Pump?

IndianOil considers provision of bulk storage and dispensing facilities as per mutually agreed terms and practice. It is called a Consumer Pump for which an agreement is signed between the consumer and IndianOil.

Where can I refuel my aircraft in India?

Aircraft can be refueled at 60 Civil Aviation Fuel Stations spread across the length & breadth of India.

Can I pay by credit card?

No, fuel is not supplied on credit cards. However, IndianOil issues a prepaid card for domestic operators only (called Carnet Card) on application.

What kinds of cards are acceptable to IndianOil?

IndianOil accepts only AirBP & Avcard.

What are the other modes by which I can make payment for purchase of Aviation Fuels/Lubricants?

Cash, traveler cheques, Bank Drafts/Banker's Cheques, may affect payment. For international customers, the payment shall be in equivalent US Dollars at the rate prevailing at the time of supply of fuel. Passport is needed at the time of fuel supply to international customers.

Fuel is also supplied against specific authorization from the following on confirmation of balance available with us.

  1. World Fuel Services
  2. Colt International
  3. United Aviation Fuels
  4. Air Routing
  5. Hadid International

Which documents are required for purchasing Aviation Fuels/Lubricants?

No documents required.

What is the difference between Penetration & Viscosity grades?

Penetration Grade classifications are based on the Penetration value (degree of hardness) (Test conditions: 250C, 100 gm, 5 sec) while VG system is based on absolute Viscosity (degree of Flow Resistance) of the Bitumen samples measured in Poise (Test conditions: @ 600C, 300 mm Hg vacuum). It also includes Kinematic Viscosity measured in cst @ 1350C.

What are the benefits / advantages of VG Bitumen over Penetration Grade?

What are the limitations of Penetration Grade?

Is VG Bitumen is the demand / requirement of users or the statutory bodies? Why there is a need to shift from Penetration to Viscosity Grade Paving Bitumen?

Penetration test was developed in an era of significantly lower pavement loading. In the past, truck weights were less than 30 tons with tyre pressure at 75 PSI. Today truck weights exceed 35 tons with 125 PSI radial tyres. The 10% increase in truck weights leads to a 40% increase in the stresses applied to the pavement and is further aggravated by heavy traffic and change in weather conditions. Therefore, to cope up with the change in conditions, there is a need to shift from Penetration to Viscosity Grade paving bitumen. Both user agencies and statutory bodies are enforcing suppliers to supply VG Bitumen.

Why does pavement made of VG Bitumen have longer durability than PG Bitumen?

The pavement made from VG Bitumen will have better performance, because Viscosity value measured at 600C correlates well with rutting behavior and Viscosity value at 1350C gives sufficient idea about the mixing and compaction temperature and as a result pavement life is improved.

Can we use VG 30 Bitumen in high temperature zones where the critical highway temperature is >60oC?

Yes, VG 30 can be used in high temperature zones as it has good thermal susceptibility.

Why is a minimum limit to absolute Viscosity @ 600C prescribed? Is it OK to keep the minimum limit?

The temperature of 600C is the near maximum Bituminous pavement temperature on a hot summer day, when rutting is likely to occur. It is useful to determine the stiffness (in terms of absolute Viscosity) of Bitumen at 600C so that we can specify its minimum stiffness to ensure adequate resistance to rutting during hot summer. Pavement rutting is the most prevalent problem in India.

What is the relevance of Ductility Test @ 250C on residue of TFOT?

Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) is nothing but the simulation of aging condition during mixing and compaction. If the material shows good ductile characteristics after TFOT, it implies that the binder can be laid nicely on the road and will not age (deteriorate) much during mixing and compaction.

The number of tests for VG Bitumen is less than that of Penetration Grade. How would this give assurance about the quality of Bitumen?

Some of the tests given in old Penetration Grade specification are the repetition of checking one parameter by different methods and some are redundant. For example, ductility measurement after TFOT ensures ductile property; there is no need to check it before TFOT. Penetration ratio, Paraffin Wax content and Fraass breaking point tests are redundant as these properties have been taken care in new Viscosity Grade specifications.

Do we have a ready-made chart to use various Bitumen Grades as per the temperature zones?

Ideally, selection of Bitumen grades should be based on high and low pavement temperatures (climatic conditions). For practical consideration, selections need to be based on air temperatures. Weather data can be obtained from IMO (Indian Meteorological Organisation) for the purpose of understanding regionwise requirement of binder grades. Selection criteria for VG paving Bitumen based on climatic conditions is tabulated below:

Sr.No Lowest Daily Mean Air Temperature ( 0 C) < 25 0 C20 to 30 0 C > 30 0 C
1. More than – 10 0 C VG-10 VG-20 VG-30
2. – 10 0 C or lower VG-10 VG-10 VG-20

What is the effect of using VG-10 Bitumen in hot climate areas? What is the right grade to be used in this area?

Due to high temperature in hot climatic areas, use of VG-10 would not provide good rutting resistance. Based on the highest daily mean air temperature, which generally ranges from 300C to 440C, VG-30 Bitumen can be used in this area.

Is there any difference in the manufacturing process for VG Bitumen over Penetration Grade?

Yes, process parameters need to be modified to produce VG Bitumen. It is produced by blowing bitumen with air.

How to measure viscosity at 600C? What type of equipment and manufacturers do you recommend?

A vacuum capillary tube viscometer is used to perform the Viscosity test at 600C. Viscosity test equipment consists of i. Calibrated Cannon-Manning Viscosity tube, ii. Oil bath maintained at 600C, iii. Vacuum pump and iv. Vacuum gauge, controller, thermometer, stop watch. Viscosity tube to be imported through an Indian distributor and remaining items are easily available in India. Generally Cannon Manning vacuum capillary viscometer, Cannon fenske viscometer.

From where can I get SERVO Lubricants for my car?

For your individual lubricant requirements or for your own consumption SERVO is available at your nearest IndianOil Petrol Pumps or Bazaar shops, spare parts shops etc. All such resellers are supplied lubricants from area specific sole SERVO Automotive STOCKISTs.

Can I pay by credit card?

No, fuel is not supplied on credit cards. However, IndianOil issues a prepaid card for domestic operators only (called Carnet Card) on application.

How can I purchase SERVO lubricants for my industry?

IndianOil supplies lubricants directly to customers whose requirement is above 30,000 liters per annum. If the requirements are below 30,000 liters per annum, then IndianOil services it through authorized sole SERVO INDUSTRIAL Stockists specific for that area. However all institutional customers will get due customized solutions and dedicated customer service from IndianOil.

When I use SERVO engine oil of IndianOil in my vehicle engine, after some time the engine oil starts turning dark and does not retain original colour. My mechanic says good quality engine oil should not start becoming darker and retain the original colour through out. Can you please comment since his explanation seems logical at the outset?

Thanks for seeking clarifications. Every lubricant has to do basic function of eliminating / minimising solid friction & mechanical wear and tear. But expectation from engine oil as lubricant is very much beyond this, it has to act as coolant removing the heat, sealant to avoid blowby, protect from chemical corrosive wear and also act as cleaner to keep the engine parts perfectly clean to enable engine to perform at the highest possible efficiency. However good the engine may be, some soot / deposits are bound to form due to incomplete burning of some portion of fuel. This will tend to form black deposit on the engine part. Engine oil has to ensure that the deposit does not form/remain on the engine part. It sweeps the deposit and keeps the engine clean. Engine oil divides the deposit in miconic sized particle size so that the deposit does not settle down in the oil ducts. These properties are imparted by detergent dispersant additives.

Therefore if any engine oil gets darker during service, it means it is very good egine oil doing it's job perfectly in respect of cleaning the engine parts. Engine oil which does not turn dark, does not get dirty and retains original colour through out is actually a very bad oil, not cleaning the engine and thus actually harming the engine. However if the engine oil starts getting dirtier and darker very rapidly with lumps of deposits in it, then it means either the engine condition is extremely bad or lubricant is of inferior quality and by itself generates deposits. This aspect can be cross checked. This will be the case if engine oil is purchased from non reliable sources.

Earlier I was using mono grade engine oil in my vehicle. A friend of mine told me to use multigrade engine oil to get better mileage for diesel. But I find with the use of multigrade engine oil, pressure guage shows lower pressure than what it was with mono grade. My mechaniic says this can damage the engine and that I should at once switch back to monograde engine oil to protect my engine.

The pressure you observe in oil pressure guage is on account of resistance offered by the oil ducts, filters, bends, orifices etc in the oil flow system in the process of reaching adequate quantity of engine oil to all the parts to be lubricated. The oil pressure required between the rubbing metal surfaces to avoid physical contact of the metal surfaces may be more than 100 times the pressure observed on the pressure gauge. This very high pressure is created automatically by the physical movement of the parts like rotating shaft, sliding piston rings etc and by the viscosity of the lubricant by what is known in tribology ( science of rubbing surfaces including lubrication science) as elasto hydro dynamic lubrication regime. Engine oil has to lubricate some engine parts at very high temperature, beyond 1000C. Viscosity of lubricant changes very much with temperature. This could be 12 to 15 times or so between 400C and 1000C. For example viscosity may be 180cSt at 400C and say 15.5 cSt at 1000C.

This behavior can be changed by better refining ( more paraffiinic oil means higher viscosity index which means lesser temperature variation) and by using viscosity index improver. In this fashion oil of low viscosity is selected so that viscosity at lower temperature is significantly low and by using the Viscosity Index Additive, the viscosity at 1000C is raised artificially. This ensures requisite viscosity at higher temperatures but relatively lower viscosity at lower temperatures. This means easy starting at lower temperatures, lesser undue viscous drag at lower temperatures and no compromise on quality of lubrication. Thus multigrade means making oil to meet two contrary viscosity requirements like viscosity requirement of SAE 20 W as well as viscosity requirement of SAE 40. Hence the oil may be known as SAE 20W40 or SAE 15W40 or SAE 10W40 or SAE 20W50 etc depending on which two viscosity grade requirements are met.

Therefore it becomes apparent that pressure required to make multigrade oil to flow through a duct for the same flow rate at temperature below 1000C will be less than the pressure required to make monograde oil to flow under same conditions. It is also pertinent to note that multigrade oil will have higher viscosity than monograde oil at temperature above 1000C, viscosity reduces as shear rate increases and hence assures better sealing, better lubrication, more power output and lesser lubricant consumption. Hence the said observation of lower pressure in the oil pressure gauge. This is just natural and desired. There is absolutely nothing to worry about.