Bengaluru start-up to deliver diesel home, but what about safety?

Mypetrolpump is an initiative by a 32-year old alumnus of IIT Dhanbad. This is the first of its kind initiative, before the petroleum ministry of India could roll out a similar scheme in India. While petrol is not being delivered currently, the company plans to do it soon.

A Bengaluru-based start up Mypetrolpump has started an initiative to deliver diesel door-to-door, but on a requisition bases. Interetingly, this comes within weeks of the oil ministry announcing its plans to start such an initiative across the country. 

The company conducted a soft launch with just 3 vehicles of 950-litre capacity each on June 15. So, far it is reported to have delivered over 5,000 litres of diesel. Diesel is delivered at the day's price with a fixed delivery charge. For up to 100 litres, the one-time delivery charge is said to be Rs 99. Above 100 litres, the price would be the diesel charges and an additional Re 1 a litre. Orders can be placed online, through  phone call or an App. 

How to order for fuel?

Customers can visit their website mypetrolpump.com or call 7880504050 to book an order for diesel. The mobile petrol pump is operations between 6 am and 8pm and provide services in areas like HSR Layout, Koramangala, Bellandur, BTM Layout and Bommanahalli.

How safe is it?

A K Yadav, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), speaking to the New Indian Express said, “We have not given permission to any firms to operate door-to-door delivery of fuel. It is also unsafe since it is not adhering to any safety norms. The state police should take action against the firm”.

Meanwhile, Suresh Kumar, an executive committee member of the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers also opines, “This concept was failed in the US and also did not get the approval of explosives department because of the safety issues. Though the idea is good, safety is a concern”.  

However, the petrol firm is confident. The website claims, "My Petrol Pump gets fuel from authorized dealers of oil companies near to your location, We have developed and follow strict quality assurance programme to ensure every drop of fuel is checked for right quality before it gets loaded into refueller for delivery. We do not purchase or stock fuel prior to delivery. Fuel is sourced only upon receiving the pre-booking from  customers." 

However, Ashish Kumar Gupta, an alumnus of IIT-Dhanbad and the founder of Mypetrolpump said, "We are in touch with the petroleum ministry since September 2016. After convincing the officials, we held two meetings with minsiter Dharmendra Pradhan, who appreciated our innovation."

Moreover, it has been reported that the vehicles that are being used to ferry the fuel are specially fabricated by a firm approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation. The vehicles have approved valves and are earthed as they carry non-conductive fuel. 

They are also fitted with meters and filtration systems and also come with anti-siphoning systems to prevent fuel theft and adulteration.