Bharat Petroleum Corporation’s (BPCL) Allied Retail Business (ARB) becomes the largest non-fuel revenue generator in the oil industry, registering a growth of 52.1 per cent.
BPCL also ranks among the leading retail networks in the country, offering a basket of services ranging from quick-service restaurants to financial and travel-related services, during FY 2007.
The network of 383 In & Out stores saw turnover grow by 28 per cent to Rs 77.4 crore. During FY 2007, eight In & Out convenience stores made up the “millionaire club” by clocking average sales of Rs one million per month.
Eyeing more opportunities in non-fuel business, the company has tied up with Cinemata, a film distribution unit of Sony Entertainment Television, to set up cinema halls at its 300 fuel outlets on highways across the country by FY 2010.
“Cinema halls will help us boost our non-fuel revenues. We are undertaking two pilot projects at our retail outlets in Gujarat. If successful, the same will be replicated in other outlets across the country,” said BPCL Chairman Ashok Sinha.
The movies will be shown to neighbouring villages and highway travellers via satellites. The company has transponders and ready infrastructure in place, added Sinha.
