Petroleum Ministry took lead role in digital payment promotion drive: Pradhan

Meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas was held in Srinagar on Friday.

Chairing the meeting, Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised on the efforts made by the Ministry and the OMCs to promote digital payments at fuel stations.

He informed that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas took the lead role in digital payment promotion drive. A three-pronged strategy was followed for rapid expansion of digital payment infrastructure at fuel stations, massive awareness campaign and incentivising consumers.

He informed that 38,128 ROs are with POS and more than 86 per cent of ROs have digital infrastructure today. Over 35,000 consumer awareness campaigns have been organised in the country, in all major regional languages. Pradhan said that in order to promote digital transactions by consumers OMCs are giving 0.75 per cent discount to the customers on purchase of fuel through cashless mode. Over 72,000 e-wallets have also been activated.

Pradhan said that the daily cashless transactions have increased from Rs 150 crore per day to Rs 400 crore per day. He apprised the MPs on the MoPNG e Seva, a dedicated social media grievance redressal platform for oil and gas related complaints. He added that Swachh Petrol Pump App is an initiative where citizens can give feedback on the status of toilets at fuel stations.

The minister reiterated that the ministry does not approve or endorse the move by a section of petrol pump dealers to close down fuel stations on Sundays. He said fuel conservation as a major campaign is being carried out by PCRA and OMCs under the guidance of the ministry.

Members of Parliament including Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Chandrakant Bhaurao Khaire, Harinder Singh Khalsa, Janak Ram participated in the meeting.