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HPCL steps on the gas, plans LPG-based ACs
BS Bureau in Kolkata |
July 31, 2003 10:02 IST
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation is exploring the alternative use of liquefied petroleum gas in household and industrial sectors.
It is looking at rolling out co-branded items such as air-conditioners, generators, geysers which will use LPG as fuel, a HPCL official said in Kolkata.
"We have already brought out geyser which is gas fired. It is now available in the market," the official said.
Similarly, HPCL is developing an AC and a generator which will use gas instead of electricity and motor oil, respectively. These items are likely to be successful in the market where availability of power is suspect.
HPCL is negotiating with India Compressor Ltd, a Delhi based company for gas-powered compressor for ACs. ICL imports the compressors from Rotur Chillers of the US.
In the industrial sector, HPCL has developed a machine, powered by LPG, for drying tea leaves. "Earlier furnace oil was used for the purpose. But we have successful in shifted to gas," the official said.
At a later stage, these innovative items will be sold through HPCL's extensive dealer network. HPCL, which markets domestic LPG under the 'HP Gas' brand, has nearly 24.9 per cent market share nationally.
It has 40 bottling plants with capacity of 1902 TMT.
Meanwhile, HPCL has launched a range of value-added services in Kolkata. It unveiled HP Home Park, the first ever loyalty programme for LPG consumers in the country.
The services include enhanced medical insurance up to Rs 15 lakh (1.5 million), and it empowers customers by giving them the option of weighing the cylinder at their door steps.
HP Home Park, which comes without any membership fee, enables a member to buy household goods at 40 to 50 per cent discount from HP Home Bazaar and accumulate loyalty points against products.