IOCL launches 'XtraRewards' for cash customers

Bangalore, Mar 26: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) today launched 'XtraRewards', the country's first online loyalty card for cash customers.

Speaking after the launch, IOCL Director (Marketing) G C Daga said the unique programme was to recognise the contribution of cash customers, who account for 95 per cent in the country. This was in addition to rewarding the credit and debit card users, he added.

He said that in retail automation, IOCL was the first to develop a blueprint for implementation of a comprehensive programme.

Mr Daga said an ambitious plan had been drawn up to automate 1,000 retail outlets of IOCL and 250 retail outlets of IBP with an investment of Rs 169 crore in the first phase, to be completed by September 2007. In the second phase, an investment of Rs 163 crore had been earmarked for automating another 1,178 petrol stations, including 250 of IBP, by mid-2008.

He said Autogas had been a great success, with nearly 120 Auto LPG dispensing outlets covering 42 major cities and towns showing a phenomenal over 80 per cent growth during 2006-07.

The new generation Aviation Fuel Hub project in Bangalore International Airport was on in full swing and it was expected to be commissioned by April 2008. IOCL led a consortium of Skytanking and IOTL for this project, he added.

Mr Daga said that to tap the current real estate boom, IOCL had tied up with the Future group, popularly known as Pantaloons group, and Ansals for setting up petrol stations in their malls and realty development projects. Food Bazaars were also proposed to be opened in select IOCL petrol stations.

He said a retail franchisee would be shortly opened in one of the Pantaloon malls in Mumbai, with quick-lube-oil-change-centre and allied facilities being available.

The 1,200 Kisan Seva Kendras functioning in rural areas were a great success and 1,000 more would be commissioned next year, he said.

UNI