BPCL to deliver groceries along with LPG cylinders

Mumbai: Oil major Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) will now deliver groceries alongside LPG cylinders to customers' doorsteps. This move comes as BPCL seeks to expand its non-fuel revenue streams and compete with quick commerce firms like Zepto and Blinkit. Leveraging its extensive network of fuel stations and LPG distributors, the company aims to launch its own payment gateway within its Hello BPCL app, enabling seamless digital transactions at its retail outlets.

The company's strategy involves integrating the payment ecosystem into its Hello BPCL app, allowing customers to make payments directly through the platform when transacting at its fuel stations. BPCL believes it can capture market share in certain areas, making this foray into e-commerce a logical step. An industry official stated that BPCL aims to build a differentiated retail ecosystem through its existing retail network.

Over the past fiscal year, BPCL has enhanced its cafe formats, convenience retail, customer amenities, and loyalty programs to transform its retail outlets into all-encompassing mobility and lifestyle destinations. Customers will have the option to order groceries, household essentials, FMCG products, and consumer durables through BPCL's app and have them delivered along with their LPG cylinders.

Pilot projects in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have shown promise, though they have not yet met BPCL's initial volume expectations. The company faces stiff competition from established quick commerce platforms, but it views this endeavor as a starting point for growth.