Fuel pipeline to be ready by March 2002

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, SEPT. 22. The pipeline being laid by the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) between Vijayawada and Hyderabad for the supply of petroleum products will be ready by March 2002, Mr.N.K.Puri Chief General Manager (CGM) of HPCL, disclosed on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference, Mr.Puri said the 220 km line with a carrying capacity of 5.5 million metric tonnes per annum cost Rs.185 crores. It was designed to transport petrol, diesel and kerosene, but can handle even naptha gas. He said the pipeline would help save the transportation cost by 20 per cent. The Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada pipeline was already operational. The HPCL, one of the Navratna PSUs, with a turnover of Rs.47,000 crores, earned a profit of Rs. 1080 crore.

Answering questions, he said there were no immediate plans to privatise the operations of the HPCL as the Government was experimenting with the privatisation of some of the activities of the IBP and would like to await the results of the exercise.

Earlier, the Chief Secretary of AP Government, Mr.P.V.Rao, launched HP Smart 1 Value Card at a function attended by Mr.Puri and other senior officials and HP dealers. The card was launched in Bangalore in March this year.

Unlike other cards currently available, HP Smart card carries with it the frequent filler advantage. The value addition is provided to the customers through rewards. It would be a convenient e-purse for a consumer.

Mr.H.R.Wate of the HPCL said it was proposed to integrate the card with the e Seva services of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. the HPCL officials had initial discussions with the State Government officers in this regard.

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Section  : National
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