Srinagar, Jul 31 (KNO): Jammu & Kashmir, along with Ladakh, will see the addition of 677 new petrol pumps as part of a large-scale expansion by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (PSU OMCs), according to a written reply tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the selection and setup of new retail outlets are being carried out based on field feasibility, demand potential, and transparent dealer selection processes.
As per the government data, 643 new petrol pump locations have been identified and advertised in Jammu and Kashmir, while 34 are planned for the Union Territory of Ladakh. These outlets are part of the 49,964 dealership slots advertised nationwide in June and July 2023. So far, Letters of Intent (LoIs) have been issued for over 23,000 of these locations, with more than 5,200 petrol pumps already operational as of July 1, 2025.
The ministry clarified that the process is being handled solely by PSU OMCs through online systems involving draws of lots or bidding to ensure transparency. The selection is based on eligibility criteria outlined under dealership selection guidelines.
The government said the total PSU OMC network in the country currently stands at 88,526 outlets, including 25,705 in rural and remote areas. However, 3,095 outlets across India remain temporarily non-operational due to various reasons, including financial constraints, legal disputes, and low sales. At present, there are no plans to repurpose these sites.
The expansion aims to enhance fuel accessibility, especially in rural and underserved regions such as parts of Jammu, Kashmir Valley, Kargil, and Leh—(KNO)