May 2021 A Giant Leap Ahead

May 2021
FY 2020-21
IndianOil re cords
highest-ever profit in
Inside The Issue
COVID-19: Stronger Together08XP95:
Innovation 100%05 Answer the quiz and stand a chance to win fuel vouchers worth `1,000!38
Editor-in-Chief: Subodh Dakwale
Associate Editor: MVL Manikantan
Refineries HO: Sabeena Chowdhary
Pipelines HO: Divya Tunkalia
Marketing HO: Anubhooti Panda
Northern Region: Dharmendra Singh
Eastern Region: Arup Das
Western Region: Anjali Bhave
Southern Region: R Chidambaram
Haldia Refinery: Sarbari Jana
Mathura Refinery: Renu Pathak
Panipat Refinery: RL Midha
Bongaigaon Refinery: Nilakshi Konwar
Paradip Refinery: Soudamini Sethi
Digboi Refinery: Priyam Medhi
Edited & Published by Executive Director I/C (Corporate Communications & Branding) on behalf of
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. G-9, Ali Yavar Jung Marg, Bandra (East), Mumbai-400 051.
Website: www.iocl.com
Spotlight
Pandemic Through the Eyes of a Child ..............................14
In Service of the People................................................................16
Unsung Heroes ......................................................................... 24
Media Bytes ................................................................................ 27
Off the Grid
All in the Family
Liked the issue? Send your feedback and questions to [email protected]
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I pray that you and your family members are keeping safe. India is still fighting the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. As it continues to test our
endurance, I request every IOCian to follow safety protocols. Do not take any symptoms lightly and do sign up for vaccination once you are eligible for it.
IndianOil too has ramped up its response to fight the virus. The Corporation has taken measures to ensure supply of oxygen for medical purposes; all this, while safeguarding its workforce and conducting awareness camps and vaccination drives across India. Do read more about this in the Spotlight section.
While we are charting through tough times, there is some good news too. IndianOil reported its highest-ever net profit of `21,836 crore for the financial year 2020-21. This has only been possible due to the tireless efforts of IOCians who braved the pandemic and put their best foot forward, everyday, to ensure fuel lines remain unhampered. Do turn to the Cover Story for a detailed report.
2021 is the Year of Opportunities, and IndianOil has grabbed an advantage by introducing 95 octane petrol under the brand name XP95. This game- changing fuel will improve vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, and has been endorsed by multiple labs. I am sure you will enjoy this story in the Spotlight section.
Catch the latest developments of the Corporation in Innerscape section including the launch of the first supply of Used Cooking Oil (UCO)-based biodiesel-blended diesel. IndianOil is constructing eight biodiesel plants across Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to promote the benefits of biodiesel.
In this month’s Off The Grid section, we feature Rangpo LPG Bottling Plant in Sikkim. The picture-perfect location is swathed in beauty but with it come a few challenges. Tenacious IOCians bear the wrath of choppy weather in Rangpo, which houses Sikkim’s only LPG bottling plant and ensure the cooking gas supplies are unhampered.
We hope you enjoy this month’s edition, also available as a flipbook. Thank you for participating in the Quiz in huge numbers. Do spread the word among your fellow IOCians and they too stand a chance to win vouchers worth `1,000!
Do not forget to follow all precautions to protect yourself. We are in this together!
Subodh Dakwale Editor-in-Chief
EditorSpeak
Click this video to watch how IndianOil emerged resilient while actively playing its role as a responsible organisation.
Click to watch A Hope for a Better Tomorrow - a tribute to frontline warriors battling the COVID-19 crisis
2 | IndianOil NEWS | May 2021
Despite a year marred by the pandemic and its aftereffects — the ensuing nationwide lockdown, disruption of supply-demand, and stagnation of growth — IndianOil made history by recording its highest ever profit, in FY 2020-21
Chairman and Functional Directors at the Annual Press Conference 2021, announcing IndianOil’s results for FY 2020-21.
A Giant Leap Ahead
IndianOil reported Revenue from Operations of `5,14,890 crore for the year April 2020 –
March 2021 as compared to `5,66,354 crore with a highest ever net profit of `21,836 crore as compared to `1,313 crore during the previous financial year. This was mainly on account of higher inventory gain and higher petrochemical margin during the current year.
Mr. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman, thanked stakeholders who demonstrated extraordinary resilience to keep the nation energised despite the pandemic-related challenges. The Chairman and functional Board Members including Mr. GK Satish, Director (P&BD); Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D); Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra, Director (HR); and Mr. Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Director (Finance) also addressed the Annual
Press Conference on May 19, 2021. The Board of Directors of the Corporation in their
meeting also declared a final dividend of `1.50 per equity share (face value: `10/- per equity share).
Mr. Vaidya said, “IndianOil sold 81.027 million tonnes of products, including exports, during the year April 2020-March 2021. Our refining throughput for the FY 2020-21 was 62.351 million tonne and the throughput of the Corporation’s countrywide pipelines network was 76.019 million tonne during the year. The gross refining margin (GRM) during the year April 2020-March 2021 was US$ 5.64 per bbl as compared to US$ 0.08 per bbl in the previous financial year.
“This success can also be credited to uninterrupted fuel supplies, commitment of frontline workers, optimal and continuous operations,
IndianOil NEWS | May 2021 | 3
Highlights of the Annual Results FY 2020-21
Revenue from Operations
Refineries Throughput
Pipelines Throughput
`1,313 crore Year ended March 31, 2020
Gross Refining Margins (GRM)
$5.64/bbl for FY 2020-21
$0.08/bbl for FY 2019-20
Net profit
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Click this video to watch how IndianOil emerged resilient while actively playing its role as a responsible organisation.
SM Vaidya, Chairman speaking at the Annual Press Conference 2021 at Corporate Office.
refineries achieving operational milestones and undergoing expansion, pipelines scaling new heights, cutting-edge R&D and the resultant innovations, customer-centric marketing initiatives, novel delivery models, the gas business, the numerous projects undertaken across the country, and a strong financial portfolio,” said Mr. Vaidya.
The Revenue from Operations of IndianOil is `1,63,606 crore in Q4 2020-21 as compared to `1,39,005 crore in the corresponding quarter of FY 2019-20. The Net Profit for the fourth quarter of FY 2020-21 is `8,781 crore as compared to `5,185 crore in the corresponding quarter of FY 2019-20 which is due to higher inventory gain and higher petrochemical margin during current quarter.
For the fourth quarter of FY 2020-21, IndianOil’s product sales volumes, including exports, was 22.591 million tonne. The refining throughput was 17.592 million tonne and the throughput of the Corporation’s countrywide pipelines network was 21.849 million tonne during the same period. IndianOil initiated marketing of IndiGreen
Compressed Biogas from 11 Plants at 18 Retail Outlets spread over five states.
IndianOil’s SERVO retained its Numero Uno position in the lubricants market by registering its highest ever growth of 24.1%. It also expanded its global footprint and is now available in 32 countries.
IndianOil pipelines network grew by over 330 km to reach over 15,000 km in length.
IndianOil commissioned a record 3,000 new fuel stations in the year taking the tally to 32,060 (including 9,915 rural Kisan Seva Kendras).
IndianOil achieved a capital expenditure of `27,194 crore. The Corporation is on track with a CAPEX plan of `28,847 crore in 2021-22.
IndianOil’s renewable energy portfolio generated 329.45 GWh energy, equivalent to emission mitigation of 273.4 TMTCO
2 e. This
comprises 167.6 MW of wind-power capacity and 65.05 MW of solar photo-voltaic capacity.
Sustainable Growth: Gained focus on the SATAT scheme to promote Compressed Bio-Gas as an alternative, green transport fuel.
New Customer Initiatives:
• Indane XtraTej (LPG with higher efficiency)
• India’s highest octane XP100 and XP95 Premium Petrol for high-performance vehicles
• Chhotu 5-kg LPG cylinder
• Combo cylinder (14.4-kg and 5-kg) & niche Composite cylinder
IndianOil becomes the first energy company in India to launch 95 Octane petrol, backed by indigenous innovation and seamless coordination
By MVL Manikantan, Sr. Officer (CC), Mktg. Div. HO & S Radhika, Manager (CC), SRO
IndianOil, keeping its promise to cater to the ever- evolving energy demands of the country, launched
India’s first 95 Octane petrol – XP95 – on May 1, 2021. This new brand of fuel was launched by Mr. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman, in the presence of Board Members, State Heads and other IOCians from across the country.
The first fueling of XP95 was done at COCO – Begumpet, Hyderabad and Bypass Services, Kolkata by Mr. RSS Rao, ED&SH, TAPSO; and Mr. Pritish Bharat, ED&SH, WBSO respectively. The launch of XP95 is yet another shot in the arm for the Corporation and the seamless joint efforts taken by different Divisions and functions.
“Besides providing more power and speed, XP95 is very competitively priced. It is only 50 paise to 75 paise more than the 91 Octane fuel currently available. Our
Spotlight
SM Vaidya, Chairman, launching XP95 through a virtual event.
main intention is to gain market share. With this launch, we have fulfilled the long pending demand of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and automobile OEMs for providing higher octane fuel for their modern vehicles which were designed to meet stringent BS-VI emission and efficiency norms through latest engine technologies,” said Mr. Vaidya, during the launch.
“Internal combustion engines are here to stay for a long time. One way to beat the greenhouse gas emissions is to increase the fuel efficiency by using right quality of higher octane fuels. One part of the engine efficiency depends on the automobile manufacturing companies while the other lies with oil companies to give more efficient fuel, thereby reducing the greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mr. Vaidya.
Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), said, “If we have to strive for decarbonisation, then the lowest hanging fruit is energy efficiency. Achieving energy efficiency while using fossil fuels will hold the key and accelerate our journey towards decarbonisation. Introduction of XP100, XtraTej, Indane Nanocut, and now, XP95 are IndianOil’s decisive steps towards this journey.”
“The demand for 95 Octane fuel stems from the fact that the automobile industry is really hard-pressed to meet Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFÉ) norms by 2022. Higher fuel efficiency needs to be achieved by the upcoming vehicle models and they are also running against time to meet the BS-VI Tier-2 norms. The long standing demand of SIAM is to raise the octane number so that they can increase the compression ratio of their engines, and garner that little bit of extra thermal and fuel efficiency. The basic scheme is higher
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the octane, lower is the knocking tendency of the fuel and thereby increasing thermal efficiency and superior clean combustion of fuel. Increased thermal efficiency will lead to fuel saving and emission reduction. XP95 was indigenously developed with novel patented interventions and its performance credentials verified by accredited third parties,” he added.
Explaining the specialties of XP95, Director (R&D), said, “XP95 keeps engines clean and makes them more corrosion resistant. The fuel gives an additional 3.95% fuel economy depending on the vehicle, reduces carbon monoxide emissions by upto 44%, hydrocarbon emissions by upto 13% and increases power by 4% and ability to accelerate by 20.15%.”
How it started The idea of XP95 was put forward during the launch of XP100 in December last year. SIAM requested IndianOil for 95 Octane fuel and the Chairman, sensing a business opportunity, got the ball rolling for the project.
Currently around 3,200 fuel stations are dispensing XP95, which will be a game-changer in the industry. The pricing is very competitive, and SIAM has also agreed to support IndianOil for enhancing the awareness and importance of the fuel.
The visual appeal and creative look of XP95 brings in a fresh appeal with a predominant pink logo, breaking away from the traditional orange. The tagline – Upgrade, Unlock and Unleash – gives an avenue of aspiration for the motorist. The product value proposition is to improve the drive experience and mileage for motorists.
Behind the scenes With the work for launching XP95 underway in December 2020, the first challenge for the R&D Centre was to arrive at the right composition.
The R&D Centre’s Fuel and Automotive Research teams worked exhaustively for achieving the minimum 95 Octane number petrol by optimising the fuel components’ composition and a combination of patented chemical technologies with elaborate engine testing. The gasoline samples from all refineries were collected and tested for their composition and subjected to Research Octane Number (RON) enhancement to achieve the target value of RON 95.
Extensive laboratory experimentation studies and
elaborate testing was carried as per IS 2796-2017 specification. The performance validation of the finalised combination of fuel was further certified from accredited third-party laboratories including iCAT, Manesar; SWRI, USA; Tickford, UK, and AVL Technical Centre, Gurgaon using BS-VI gasoline for fuel economy upto 3.95% with significant reduction in emissions and other benefits. XP95 does not contain any metallic component.
XP95 is blended at terminals across the country with multi-functional additives, octane booster along with approved level of ethanol. “The overall quality and RON value of base fuel for XP95 is higher than specified octane petrol which is supplied from our refineries. At the terminals, they are dosed with multi-functional additives, booster and ethanol. All these processes are automated and there are strict QC checks performed at multiple levels before distributing the product further,” said Dr. GK Sharma, CGM (Quality Control), Marketing Division Head Office.
“This project required creation of new infrastructure, fresh SOPs, modification in automation. A location-wise detailed infrastructure plan was prepared for new tanks, pipelines, pumps, SKID, automation integration for octane booster additive,” said Mr. Debabrata Das, Chief Manager (Operations), Marketing Division Head Office.
“In the first phase, 30 marketing locations were identified across pan-India basis for Phase 1 implementation, which catered to 60% of the premium petrol consumption market. The highly-trained young maintenance cadre officers collectively stepped up
Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), during the launch of XP95.
to the challenge across the country to ensure the launch target was met. They weren’t deterred by the lack of manpower and ensured that many tasks were completed with in-house capabilities. Our maintenance officers did most of the software modifications and other integration jobs. We had solid support from the Engineering Department,” said Mr. Das.
The first batch of XP95 was flagged off by Mr. Vaidya on March 27, 2021 from the Tikrikalan Terminal, New Delhi. But for the quality control and supplies team at Marketing Division, it was a race against time to complete the project ahead of launch.
“Tanks in 3,500 fuel stations had to be cleaned before the launch due to the deadstock of existing 91
Octane petrol, and we were facing a severe crunch in contractor’s workforce due to the COVID-19 second wave. To counter this, the initial batches of XP95 were made with enhanced higher-Octane blend. This was done to ensure the quality criterion of XP95 is maintained even after mixture with the deadstock in these tanks,” said Dr. Sharma.
“We had come out with a formula for a higher blend but the challenge was to ensure the strict implementation of this formula. And we tested samples from each of these tanks. RON testing equipment is expensive and only 10 labs in the Marketing Division had it. We took assistance from the lab of our refineries too and worked day in and day out to test these samples and declare the tanks compliant to RON requirements of XP95,” said Dr. Sharma.
The plan ahead is to extend the availability of XP95 to over 6,000 fuel stations by July and to over 9,000 fuel stations by December, and smoothly phase out XtraPremium from the IndianOil network.
While XP95 had a soft launch, Mr. Vaidya opined it would be a fresh dose of positivity for IOCians. “In these depressing times of COVID-19, such new initiatives will infuse life and a sense of hope amongst the prevailing despair among IOCians and channel partners,” said Mr. Vaidya.
Inaugural fueling of XP95 was done simultaneously at COCO Begumpet, Hyderabad, and Bypass Services, Kolkata.
The XP95 blend developed at R&D Centre underwent rigorous checks.
Spotlight
IndianOil displayed its core value of Care as it strategised and anchored its efforts to fight the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases. The Corporation has ensured supply of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO), set up Covid Care centers, and vaccination drives. All this, while ensuring that customers get uninterrupted supplies of fuel
As a responsible corporate citizen, IndianOil is going beyond its business priorities to
leverage its expertise and assets to help in the humanitarian efforts to combat the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping the nation. Last year, as COVID-19 cases surged through the country, IndianOil expedited its resources in the face of significant challenges. Staying true to its philosophy of Pehle Indian, Phir Oil, it took measures to safeguard its workforce, and ensure that the plants operate uninterruptedly so as to keep the nation’s fuel supplies running. This year was no different. From diverting its supply of industrial oxygen for medical purposes from the Panipat Refinery to setting-up COVID-19 care centres across the country, IndianOil is leaving no stone unturned in supporting healthcare warriors.
Additionally, the Corporation has been procuring cryogenic tankers from across the world, and converting LNG tankers for carrying oxygen. The Corporation is also importing ISO containers for transporting LMO in the country.
Presently, the Corporation is supplying 270 mt of LMO per day to hospitals in New Delhi, Haryana and
Punjab. Forty one LMO carriers with total capacity of 780 mt have been deployed. The LMO carrying capacity is set to be enhanced to 5,820 mt by June 2021. Additionally, 207 ISO containers being imported.
IndianOil is also leveraging its expertise and reach for India’s COVID-19 vaccination program by supplementing Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Manipur and UT of J&K. On May 16 2021, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, inaugurated the 500 bed-dedicated Guru Teg
Stronger Together
SM Vaidya, Chairman, during a high-level COVID-19 review meeting.
Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra, Director (HR) said that IOCians should stand united and chart out a comprehensive plan to overcome the COVID-19 challenge. “There is no need to panic but be brave and demonstrate a united response,” he concluded.
Jagriti Covid Care Centre at IiPM Director (HR), inaugurated the Jagriti Covid Care Centre at IiPM. This centre with 20 beds has been developed as a temporary care facility for IOCians and their family members, and PRMBF members. Dedicated Covid Care centres are also being set-up across the country
COVID-19 jabs IndianOil is also sponsoring vaccination of its extended workforce, in what could be the country’s largest drive, covering 34,000 employees and 3.3 lakh frontline associates including LPG delivery boys, petrol pump attendants, tanker crew, loaders, contract personnel and security guards. “IndianOil aims to support the government’s vaccination drive by ensuring all stakeholders, whom it considers as frontline Covid Warriors, are vaccinated at the earliest,” said Director (HR).
Heads of IndianOil’s state offices have written to
IndianOil, on May 23 2021, unloaded a consignment of 11 ISO tanks filled with LMO, carried from Singapore by INS Jalashwa, an Indian Navy vessel at Vishakhapatnam Port. The same vessel also carried two more ISO tanks of LMO, sourced by GAIL, and handled by IndianOil. The entire consignment has been sourced by IndianOil from BNF Singapore and filled at Linde in Singapore. The ISO tanks have been taken on lease by IndianOil to handle the supply and logistics of LMO in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This consignment has been earmarked to meet the pressing demand for LMO in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The various imports of LMO, Oxygen Cylinders and Oxygen concentrators being done by ICRS (Indian Red Cross Society) are also being handled by IndianOil, in terms of unloading and transportation.
LMO Containers procured from Singapore
Bahadur Sanjeevani Hospital dedicated for COVID-19 efforts at Panipat. He appreciated IndianOil for leading from the front and extending all possible help to support the nation.
Chairman reviews the situation Mr. SM Vaidya, Chairman, along with Board of Directors, are constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation nationwide across Divisions. Chairman appealed to IOCians to exercise precautions prescribed by the government to overcome challenges — both, at individual and organisational level. He reiterated the importance of wearing masks, regularly handwashing and maintaining social distance protocol. “As responsible citizens, IOCians should avoid any behaviour that would risk getting infected,” noted Mr. Vaidya. He also advocated for COVID-19 testing, and active vaccination drives to cover IOCians who are eligible for the vaccination.
Spotlight
the respective chief secretaries to accord ‘frontline’ status for the associates who are employed by dealers or contractors engaged by the company.
IndianOil has also extended its medical insurance cover to the associates in addition to the provision of `5 lakh ex-gratia payment to next of kin in case of accidental death. The medical insurance provides cover to an associate, spouse and two children. Claims of up to `1 lakh can be availed for expenses on hospitalisation and COVID-19-related diseases. On accidental death of an insured, the family will be eligible for compensation of `2 lakh.
Sanjeevani Express Portal IndianOil has launched a single window application — Sanjeevani Express — to monitor supply logistics of LMO in real time.
IndianOil has also set up a control room to manage
Vaccination drives are being conducted across the country covering all stakeholders including contract workforce, channel partners, customer attendants and LPG delivery personnel.
and track logistics of oxygen supply. This along with the portal will contribute towards strengthening the supply and logistics of medical oxygen in the country. The single window platform has been created to help all stakeholders, including Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), oil companies and other central and state government agencies, to monitor allocation, dispatch and receipt of nedical oxygen.
Amenities in place IndianOil installations across the country including refineries have created amenities for channel partners to ensure their safety and no interruption in fuel supply. Frequent RT-PCR tests are being conducted to keep the spread of the virus in check. Frequent sanitisation drives are also carried out at critical locations in installations.
COVID-19 Marshals consisting of senior officials from non-technical departments visit plant sites at regular
In April 2021, Baroda AFS came to the rescue of the Indian Air Force with their quick thinking. Containerised Oxygen tankers were rolled out for loading in C-17s, the IAF transport aircraft. First two aircraft were loaded with tankers in a seamless operation by then as Team Baroda AFS completed the ATF fuelling efficiently. Later in the day, IAF officers found it difficult to load two large-sized containers into the waiting C-17s on a loading ramp too steep for the oversized container trucks. This is where Baroda AFS came to their rescue. They promptly bought heavy-duty plywood sheets from the local market and created an extended makeshift loading ramp to smoothly load the containers into the waiting aircraft. All in a day’s work!
Team IndianOil at Baroda AFS comes to the aid of IAF
A young IOCian from Barauni Refinery was admitted to a hospital ICU in Patna for COVID-19; his lungs were badly affected. The doctor suggested arranging the new 2-DG drug for him. Subsequently, messages were sent to Marketing Division HO and Corporate Office to check the possibility of the new drug developed by DRDO. Every attempt suggested that it can be procured only at New Delhi with special recommendations.
Mr. UP Singh, ED (HR), Marketing Division HO, swung into action and got the drug arranged at Hyderabad within a day. On May 20 2021, Mr. M Raja, APTM, Shamshabad AFS (Hyderabad), personally collected the drug from Mr. SK Upadhyay, CGM (HR), TAPSO and arranged for its dispatch through the first available flight. Within 24 hours, the new 2G drug was handed over to the wife of the IOCian. Yet again, collective efforts highlighted IndianOil’s core value of Care.
Novel COVID-19 prescription drug procured within a day for IOCian
intervals for checking and ensuring all precautionary measures are followed.
For instance, at Barauni Refinery, a Corona Jagrukata Rath is being carried out at the township and surrounding areas to spread awareness and encourage vaccination in English, Hindi and local languages.
At Gujarat Refinery, isolation centres with facilities and amenities like free food, medical care and other necessary facilties have been set up. Home delivery of essential materials and medicines is also being arranged.
Campaigns are being held in English, Hindi, and local languages to improve awareness about precautions against COVID-19.
IOCians, who recovered from COVID-19, came forward to donate plasma.
At Manmad Terminal, a safe environment for contract personnel including haulage personnel, canteen staff, and electricians to break the chain. Meals, laundry and other personal needs are taken care of. The existing restrooms are modified to meet day-to-day requirement.
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As the second wave of COVID-19 is on the upswing, IOCians are going the extra mile to help
others in this time of crisis. Among them is Dr. Sova Bhattacharya, GM (HSE), R&D Centre, who was also infected with the infectious illness in March 2021.
After missing initial symptoms such as low blood pressure, diarrhoea and discomfort, Dr. Bhattacharya was diagnosed with COVID-19 after a chest X-ray revealed an infection in the lungs. Thankfully, she found a bed in Faridabad soon after her SpO
2 started skidding below 90%.
“I noticed that the hospital was getting overwhelmed with patients multiple times its capacity. That’s when I realised that we are staring at a crisis in the days to come. By March, the situation here in Faridabad and the country became worse. As IOCians, we were privileged enough to get admission in hospitals,” recalled Dr. Bhattacharya. Though she had many COVID-19 complications, she recovered in nine days.
In the days that followed, Dr. Bhattacharya realised that certain essential drugs such as Remdesivir and Tocilizumab had become scarce which led to it being black marketed by unscrupulous elements.
During this time, an R&D IOCian and his wife needed the drug in New Delhi. Dr. Bhattacharya took it upon herself to provide aid to the couple. She contacted as many pharmacists as she could and managed to reach a medical stockist in Varanasi. It was later procured by another dealer in Ambala.
Subsequently, many employees of R&D Centre got admitted along with some from her neighbourhood. Dr. Bhattacharya recalls, “There was a clamour for beds in hospitals. There were requests for oxygen and convalescent plasma from recovered
Dr. Sova Bhattacharya, GM (HSE), R&D Centre, went beyond the call of duty as she scoured for resources for her family and friends to fight back COVID-19
Playing Good Samaritan
COVID-19 patients.” She decided to focus
her energy on helping them. Since she was already involved with a couple of NGOs, she sought their help.
On one side, Dr. Bhattacharya had only recovered from the infection, on the other side, she couldn’t watch herself rest amidst calls for help. “R&D Centre has lost two of its employees in the pandemic. I lost one of my closest friends from my neighbourhood. In fact, in my friend’s case, a little delay in response, brought her Oxygen level to less than 70%. When she tried to get admitted in hospitals, she was refused beds. It was only later that she was taken to a government hospital for oxygenation — which proved to be a short relief,” sighs Dr. Bhattacharya. Looking back, she urges IOCians to take the COVID-19 symptoms seriously.
Dr. Bhattacharya’s efforts are a matter of immense pride for IOCians. She resiliently decided to help her colleagues and friends, despite her health, and losing her mother-in-law to jaundice. Dr. Bhattacharya has not only exemplified IndianOil’s core value of Care but also made it clear that the human spirit prevails.
Dr. Sova Bhattacharya
In November 2020, Kartikeya Srivastava, was diagnosed with COVID-19 despite following every guideline and precaution. He recounts his experience…
“Being restricted within your room is a weird feeling”
Madurai-based Kartikeya Srivastava, Senior Operations & Maintenance Engineer, SRPL,
didn’t think much of it when he suffered a light headache and chills. He’d always maintain social distancing and followed every protocol when he reported to work. Unfortunately, despite being proactively cautious, Kartikeya tested positive for COVID-19 in November 2020.
Kartikeya went through phases of low-to- medium-grade fever through the day accompanied by severe body ache. On day four, also the fourth day of Diwali, it was confirmed that he was COVID-19 positive, which played a dampener on the already mellowed occasion. In isolation, he found himself getting into a routine rather quickly — albeit it felt restrictive at times. “The feeling of being within the confines of your room, even if you didn’t intend to, is a weird one,” he recalls.
Fortunately, for him, he did not experience many of the more severe, discomforting symptoms. So, he decided to take the time out to catch up his favourite shows and read Former US President Barack Obama’s A Promised Land. “Picking up food from a counter outside my door was a novel experience,” Kartikeya explains.
He also got the chance to spend some quality time with his folks — even if that meant conversing at a distance. “They’d sit across the hallway, but we could see each other,” he reminisces. By day seven, his fever and body pain subsided. He was fortunate that his health improved by resting and isolating.
Looking back, Kartikeya implores everyone to follow the simple precautions to protect oneself and others from the infectious disease. “Even after my best efforts, I contracted the infection because I am required to step out. Do not venture out unless it is an emergency. Consult a physician on the same or
By Balakrishna Naik, GM, (CC & CSR), SRPL
the very next day when you feel any kind of fever or body ache and take all the medicines prescribed. Avoid home remedies — this will not prevent the infection from spreading,” he advises.
Until recently, Kartikeya his bit for society by donating plasma. He was the first among employees volunteering to be a plasma donor, though Tamil Nadu has stopped plasma donation and infusion.
Even after my best efforts, I contracted the infection because I am required to step out. Do not venture out unless it is an emergency. Consult a physician on the same
or the very next day when you feel any kind of fever or body ache and take all the medicines prescribed.
Avoid home remedies — this will not prevent the infection from spreading. —Kartikeya Srivastava
Click to play video
Click to watch A Hope for a Better Tomorrow - a tribute to frontline warriors battling the COVID-19 crisis
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While COVID-19 has not physically impacted children as badly as it has adults, it has had a traumatic mental effect on these young minds, some of whom have seen their family suffer badly. Here are a few kids sharing their stories and displaying exemplary courage under such daunting conditions…
By Anjana Aravind, DGM (CC, Pl & Coord), KeSO
S ix-year-old Christy is not old enough to understand the full implications of the
pandemic, but he knows something is terribly out of place. His school has been shut for a year, there are no more playdates and he hasn’t left home for a year now. But above all, with all this free time at hand, Christy worries about his mother’s whereabouts. His mother Ms. Jhansi, a customer attendant at COCO, Anayara, Thiruvananthapuram, is the sole breadwinner of the family. She cannot
afford to be at home, she cannot be afraid of the virus.
Similarly, for Swathy Jayachandran, a 10th grade student, daughter of Mr. Jayachandran, delivery personnel of City Gas, the ongoing pandemic
is a teeter-totter between fear and struggle. “I am always worried for the safety of my father,” she says, adding that as a delivery personnel, his father has to come in proximity of numerous people on a daily basis. “We live in fear every day. We worry about quarantine too. We depend on public tap to drink water, we will face multiple problems if we have to be quarantined. We need food on the table, and hence my father has to report to work,” she sighs.
Online classes were another challenge. Swathy had to wait until her father reached home in the evening to get hold of notes from her friends through WhatsApp. Thankfully, this changed
Pandemic Through the Eyes of a Child
Spotlight
vvvvvv after her father’s workplace provided her with a smartphone.
For Shreya Raghu, daughter of Mr. K Raghu, DGM (Retail Sales), Cochin DO, attending online classes was a sore point too. “There was no silly banter among friends in school corridors and no more competitions to partake in. Online classes meant giving up personal interaction with teachers,” she bemoans. But she’s started making the most of her free time by baking with her mother and catching up on movies at night. “The best day of my life will be when COVID-19 is permanently dealt with. I hope that day comes soon,” she yearns.
Five-year-old Dakshesh, son of Mr. R Vishnu, Senior Institutional Business Manager, is content being at home. He finds solace in drawing, colouring Dora all day long. However this happiness is short-lived when he realises he can’t quite have it all. He too, like everyone else, misses spending time with his best friend.
This sentiment is echoed by Shreyaan, son of Ms. Seema, Proprietor of City Gas Agency. Right before COVID-19 became a mainstay, the 8th grade student moved to Kochi from Pune. “I had to deal with a lot of stress and changes in my life. It took me time to settle down,”
he recalls. However, he is aware of his privileges and looks at the bright side of things. Shreyaan says, “My mother is working hard to provide a comfortable life for my brother and me. She also manages to spend a lot of time with me since she is back by evening.”
Having seen his father deal with COVID-19 closely, K George Mathew, son of Mr. K Mathew George, Dealer TC Fuels, Alappuzha, is happy his father is healthy. “I had to stay away from my father when he contracted the disease. I was so happy when he recovered finally,” he recalls, adding that he coped with the stress by learning Origami.
Eleven-year-old Shreya R, daughter of Mr. Rupesh Chandran, Asst. Manager (Retail Sales), Alleppey RSA discovered her skill at canvas painting. But bigger things were to come. She made it to the Top-30 on the Zee Keralam’s musical reality show, SaReGaMaPa Little Champs. An aspiring singer and dubbing artist, Shreya still misses the simpler things in life. “I miss my schoolmates and teachers!” she concludes.
Dakshesh s/o R Vishnu
Shreyaan s/o Seema
Spotlight
Mr. Ajay Jani operates two IndianOil A-site fuel stations in Gujarat. He recently suffered a personal setback
when, unfortunately, his mother passed away due to heart attack during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, 2020. However, the words of his late mother, “Neki kar, dariya mein phek,” ("Do good, and forget about it") stuck with him forever. He decided to continue her legacy in many ways synonymous with IndianOil’s core values of Care, Innovation, Passion and Trust.
As the pandemic was on the upswing and frontline workers toiled day in and day out, Mr. Jani took it upon himself to make sure that he did something for these silent warriors. He started offering fuel at a discount of `2 on every litre.
Mr. Jani was cautioned by officials at Gujarat State Office (GSO) over his eroding margins due to the discount he was offering, but he was determined to do his bit for those risking their lives in the service of the public at large. IndianOil officials finally relented and the notice went up on his pumps. As news of his initiative began spreading, Mr. Jani was approached by the media. He politely turned them down, saying that he wasn’t doing this for charity or publicity, and that this was the least that he could do under present circumstances.
“Nothing that I do will ever be enough when you compare it to the people who risk their lives every single
In a tribute to essential and frontline workers, Ajay Jani, IndianOil’s Retail Outlet channel partner in Ahmedabad has been offering fuel at a discounted price
In the Service of People
Mr. Jani relates a heart-rending incident that took place a few weeks after the discount notice was put up at his pump. His staff had compiled a list of the vehicles belonging to essential workers in the city, so that no one could take undue advantage of this initiative. One day, a truck filled with garbage rolled up at the pump to avail the discount, but the vehicle wasn’t on the list. As an intense argument broke out between the driver and the customer attendant, Mr. Jani immediately intervened and hailed the driver as a true warrior and promptly had his truck filled up with fuel at discounted rate. This gesture left the driver in tears. These untiring efforts of Mr. Jani and his team earned his outlets the moniker of ‘Corona Warrior Petrol Pump’.
day to save the world from an invisible killer,” said Mr. Jani. The pandemic and the lockdown that followed also
saw an exodus of migrant workers to their respective states, as many of them faced job loss, pay cuts, and also step-motherly treatment from their employers. Allaying the fears of his staff, Mr. Jani assured them that their needs would be fulfilled with no reduction in their salaries and medical expenses would also be taken care of. None of his 60 employees tested positive as yet.
Even though sales have been far from the level they used to be and the country is battling the second wave of COVID-19, Mr. Jani is full of hope that the situation will improve. He expresses his utmost gratitude to Team GSO, Indian Oil, “It is only because of the support the organisation and senior officials at GSO gave me that I was able to provide a platform to support mankind in these trying times.”
By S Kishore, Officer (CC), WRO
Ajay Jani and his team.
Ajay Jani
Mr. Kapoor complimented IndianOil for the concerted efforts undertaken to promote the benefits of biodiesel. He said, “Leveraging UCO can be a major breakthrough that will enable us to reach the target of 5% biodiesel blending. It will also help divert the unhealthy used oil to a more productive purpose.”
Mr. Vaidya shared that IndianOil is constructing eight biodiesels plant across Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. He said, “IndianOil is committed to retrieving the unhealthy UCO and usher in a revolution through Randhan se Indhan. We aspire to trace even the last drop of UCO and ensure its conversion to biodiesel, thereby contributing to a more energy-secure India.”
Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, remotely
inaugurated the first Used Cooking Oil (UCO)-based biodiesel-blended diesel in May 2021. A tank truck carrying UCO-based biodiesel was dispatched from Tikrikalan Terminal, New Delhi. Mr. Tarun Kapoor Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Mr. SM Vaidya, Chairman, and Mr. Shyam Bohra, Executive Director & State Head, Delhi State Office were also present on the occasion.
Rapidly biodegradable and completely non-toxic, biodiesel is an alternative fuel similar to conventional or ‘fossil’ diesel. It can be produced from vegetable oil, animal fats, tallow and waste cooking oil. A significant advantage of biodiesel is its carbon-neutrality — the oilseed absorbs the same amount of CO
2 as is released
when the fuel is combusted in a vehicle. Mr. Pradhan appreciated the proactive role
played by OMCs towards this development. "This is a landmark in India’s pursuance of biofuels and will have a positive impact on the environment. This initiative will garner substantial economic benefits for the nation by shoring up indigenous biodiesel supply, reducing import dependence and generating rural employment,” said Mr. Pradhan, adding that 30 Letters of Intent (LOIs) have already been issued.
MoP&NG flags off first supply of Used Cooking Oil-based biodiesel from Tikrikalan Terminal
Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, flagging off the first supply of UCO Biodiesel-blended HSD.
SM Vaidya, Chairman, delivering the welcome address on the occasion.
Innerscape
gasoline and winter diesel production, trial of plastic to fuel INDEcoP2F technology and CO
2
to high value lipid/ Omega-3 fatty acid demo unit among other ideas were also discussed. Mr. Sikder, said, “We assure continued support for the existing and possible future projects with the aim to achieve technological self- reliance for the Corporation.”
and tourists from across the country. With the concerted efforts of Uttarakhand Government and Oil & Gas PSUs, we are hopeful that the developmental work will be completed within a span of three years.”
Mr. Pradhan said, “This development is a significant step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing Badrinath shrine as a smart and spiritual city. I am glad that Oil and Gas PSUs of this nation have come forward for this special cause that will not only protect the heritage of the town but also contribute significantly to the local economy.”
IndianOil signs MoU for the development of Badrinath Dham
Director (R&D) reviews various upcoming projects of Panipat Refinery
Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Petroleum Minister; and Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, MoP&NG at the MoU signing ceremony.
Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), reviewing the upcoming projects of Panipat Refinery.
Oil & Gas PSUs — IndianOil, BPCL, HPCL, ONGC and GAIL — signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Government of Uttarakhand to develop facilities at Badrinath in May 2021. The MoU signing event, held on a hybrid mode, was attended by Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel; Mr. Tirath Singh Rawat, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand; Mr. Satpal Maharaj, Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand and Mr. Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, MoP&NG.
As part of the MoU, Oil & Gas PSUs will be contributing `99.60 crore in the first phase of the developmental activities. This includes river embankment work, building an all-terrain vehicular path, building bridges, beautifying existing bridges and establishing Gurukul facilities with accommodation. Environment-friendly amenities, maintaining water supply, sewage management, installing streetlights, and mural paintings etc. are also on its agenda.
Mr Rawat said, “Badrinath Dham is one of the most sacred places in the nation. These developmental activities are much needed to provide the best facilities to pilgrims,
Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D) chaired a meeting with Panipat Refinery team led by Mr. GC Sikder, ED &
RH, Panipat Refinery, to review various upcoming projects on R&D developed technologies.
Director (R&D) stated that energy hungry economies such as India will most likely see growth in refining capacities for another decade or so before renewables/ alternative energies lead the growth curve. Dr. Ramakumar expressed satisfaction at the proactive involvement of Panipat Refinery and Refineries Headquarters teams in execution of strategically important projects such as 3G Ethanol Demo Plant, 2G Enzyme Demo Plant and Catalytic Manufacturing Unit among others.
Possible future areas of collaboration, ways to increase
“Whatever energy India demands, we will be there to provide it”
M r. SM Vaidya, Chairman, delivered the keynote address at the virtual conference,
‘Meeting Emission Challenges,’ hosted by Autocar Professional. The pandemic that started in March 2020 meant that IndianOil put the nation first instead of celebrating their milestones. The Corporation rolled out BS-VI fuel in record time to make it available across 62,000 locations across the country, despite challenges. “We rolled out the fuel two-three weeks before the deadline (March 31, 2020). The way the automobile industry is gearing up, it will surely improve further,” stated Mr. Vaidya.
Chairman also mentioned XP100. In December 2020, IndianOil was the first company to launch the premium fuel in the country enabling India to join Germany, US, and other select nations that offer 100 Octane high performance fuel. From May 1, 2021, IndianOil’s XP95 fuel is available across 30% of its outlets initially. Chairman also announced the
Mr. SM Vaidya, Chairman, details IndianOil’s initiatives with auto manufacturers to develop future fuel alternatives for India
Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, applauded the
auto industry and its allied sectors, on the huge
BS-VI accomplishment that was done in a record
three-year timeframe last year. “Although there
were several challenges owing to strict timelines,
both the automotive and energy sectors must
be appreciated for their efforts. The Indian
automotive industry is always looking up to
Europe but India has cost-conscious consumers.
We are already closer to the RDE norms but what
also makes us different is our dependence on
imports,” he stated.
Director, ARAI: This decade will see very strong policies coming in for auto
launch of the upgraded high-performance diesel, 55-Cetane. “Testson the upgraded fuel on commercial vehicles at ICAT, Manesar, have revealed fuel efficiency increase of 6.9%. This constitutes big savings in diesel. There are added benefits of reduced emissions and noise too.”
Pilot programme for 50 fuel cell buses Mr. Vaidya also endorsed that H-CNG could play a key role in making India’s Commercial Vehicle industry cut down CO
2 emission, “Hydrogen is the
fuel of the future. Our trials with BS-IV vehicles have given BS-VI emissions using H-CNG. IndianOil is committed to hydrogen and will be launching 50 buses using fuel cells,” said Vaidya.
Mr. Vaidya revealed that IndianOil is able to produce hydrogen of 99.59 purity and by October 2021-November 2021, the fuel-cell bus program will begin.
LNG and electrification Mr. Vaidya mentioned that the government is also exploring the usage of LNG for heavy commercial vehicles. The government aims to have at least 50 LNG stations on the golden quadrilateral (a network of highways connecting India’s four top cities, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata). Twenty of these stations will be IndianOil outlets. “Whatever the country needs, we will be there to provide it. India comprises one-third of global energy demand. It is likely that we will have all types of energy demand in the country,” concluded Mr. Vaidya.
SM Vaidya, Chairman.
“We can overcome any crisis if we stay alert, be bold and collaborative” …Says Captain Raghu Raman, while speaking at the 13th Vyakhyan IndianOil LEADTALK
Captain Raghu Raman, former CEO of NATGRID and noted strategic thinker, was the guest speaker at the
13th Vyakhyan IndianOil LEADTALK held virtually. Keeping up with the times, the topic, in the context of the ongoing pandemic, was ’Leading in Critical Times’.
Captain Raghu Raman praised the enormous role of IndianOil in energy logistics and how it touched the lives of Indians. He said that the present situation was unprecedented, and that in such a case, the leadership will have to be agile, bold and collaborative to bring togetherness in the organisation. “In a crisis, encouraging communication is of utmost importance as it serves as the lifeblood,” he emphasised.
Citing the insights from studies on the Marshmallow Tower Game, Captain Raman said, “Leadership should essentially create an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute without fear. It makes people conservative, cautious, and over-defensive. Another thing: just as the map isn’t the real territory so is the reality on the ground. Turning a blind eye to reality can only end up compounding the problem. In a crisis, it is okay not to have all the perfect answers. It is best to adopt a collaborative approach to optimally handle the issues at hand.”
The guest speaker also highlighted the need for an organisation to communicate and use a humane approach to build individual and collective resilience. ”The need to engender psychological safety in people is
paramount. So, constant messaging about caring for the employees and family members can create a climate of hope,” he explained.
Captain Raman also reminded that amidst the global crisis, the bright side of humanity is coming to the fore. “Holding hands together in a mega-crisis is what will keep us going. IOCians should realise how very lucky they are to have caring colleagues in this mighty organisation which has the philosophy of Care in its very DNA,” he explained.
Optimism with patience is the cornerstone of good leadership: Captain Raghu Raman.
Illustrating his point with the example of the Stockdale Paradox, Captain Raman said that during an acute crisis; blind optimism may not see us through the ordeal. Optimism that is tempered with patience is the cornerstone of good leadership.
Panipat Refinery replaces PCK with Low Sulphur ATF
Panipat Refinery becomes first IndianOil refinery to replace Pipeline Compatible Kerosene (PCK) with Low Sulphur ATF (LSATF) in May
2021. This facilitates pumping of both aviation and non-aviation fuel in multiproduct cross-country pipeline. This product has been made in line with Auto Fuel Vision and Policy 2025 released by Government of India to stop production and usage of SKO.
Mr. Gopal Chandra Sikder, ED & RH, PRPC (in pic) inaugurated the dispatch of first batch of LSATF as a plug between HSD and ATF in Panipat-Ambala-Jalandhar Pipeline (PAJPL).
TNSO initiates internal deliberations on business ethics
Senior TNSO officials along with the participants during the interactive session.
Tamil Nadu State Office (TNSO) held an internal
discussion on ethical decision-making and its consequences. Mr. VR Menon, DGM (RS), TNSO, made a presentation on the theme ‘Ethical Blindness’ to the State Management Committee (SMC). Ethical blindness, wherein individuals are unable to recognise their unethical behaviour, was the first point of discussion. Since executives work under various pressures, they may not have the bandwidth to evaluate the moral or social consequences of their decisions. Executives may also carry implicit biases they are not aware of (e.g., gender, race, belief, perception), which may harm the organisation and society at large in the long run.
The second idea centred around instances where executives violate norms on the premise that it will help their organisations. Case studies of the Wells Fargo Bank scandal, Ford Pinto car tragedy and NASA’s Space
Shuttle Challenger disaster were discussed. The SMC also deliberated on potential areas where ethical blindness can emerge and harm IndianOil.
Mr. P Jayadevan, Executive Director and State Head, TNSO, said, “As an organisation, IndianOil has already adopted an integrated reporting model based on capitals — financial, manufactured, intellectual, human, social, relationship and natural. It is essential that we adopt social responsibility components in decision-making.”
QUIZ Answers for April Edition Quiz
ISO 21001:2018 EOMS certification - IiPM
4. SERVO climbed a new peak of __ TMT in sales volume - 500
4. Who is the Assistant Director at the 104-year-old Cellular Jail? - Dr. Rashida Iqbal
5. Name the folk artiste recently honoured at the Guwahati Refinery - Ms. Hirabala Rabha
6. Who delivered the 12th edition of
the Vyakhyan IndianOil LEADTALK Series? - Dr. Daniel Yergin
7. In which year was the Agatti AFS inaugurated? - 2019
8. Name the IOCian who was the head coach of the Indian Legends team - Mr. Amit Dani
9. Who is the batting coach of Punjab Kings? - Wasim Jaffer
10. Name IndianOil’s latest branded fuel offering - XP95
1. In which year did Mr. Gurmeet Singh join IndianOil as a management trainee? - 1983
2. Name the first PSU training institute to be accredited with
Sports Buzz
Haria triumphs in battle of IOCians at All India Snooker Championship
Dhvaj Haria.
Dhvaj Haria of GSO claimed the All India Open Snooker Championship title after beating IndianOil teammate Laxman Rawat in a closely
contested final in Chennai recently. Dhvaj, a billiards ace, was trailing 3 frames to 5 in the final against Laxman, the World 6 Red Snooker Champion, before making a comeback with a break of 111. With the scores tied at 5 frames all, Dhvaj made a break of 60+ at the beginning in the decider to put it across Laxman and clinch the tie.
Though Dhvaj is recognised for his expertise in billiards, this victory gave him his first major Snooker crown at the senior level. He also fashioned comfortable victories over renowned Snooker players such as Rafath Habib of Railways in the quarter finals (4-0) and Sourav Kothari of ONGC in the semis (5-1). One hundred and seventy one players from across the country had taken part in the tournament that was held under strict COVID-19 safety protocols at Salem Snooker Academy.
Pawar scores big at Tendulkar-led India Legends
Former India Under-19 player at the 1998 World Cup, IOCian Rajesh Pawar was one of the more consistent slow
left arm orthodox spinners in the domestic circuit. He was part of the Sachin Tendulkar-led India Legends team which defeated Sri Lanka Legends by 14 runs to lift the inaugural Road Safety World Series Cup at Raipur in April 2021.
One of the highlights of the closely contested final was the spectacular catch which Pawar took to send back Upul Tharanga off the bowling of Irfan Pathan. It was such a fabulous effort on the part of the veteran that the catch immediately went viral on social media and was a big hit. Pawar says, “We knew how important Tharanga’s wicket was as he can be very dangerous once he gets going. Although he mistimed the lofted shot on the off side, I had difficulty sighting the high ball under the lights. Moreover, I had to cover some distance from my position at deep cover.” Elaborating further, he shares, “Sachin later told me that as the ball was mid-air and I was running towards it, he closed his eyes hoping and praying that I somehow held on to the crucial catch. He was
IndianOil cricket star Rajesh Pawar with the legend Sachin Tendulkar.
By S Kishore, Officer (CC), WRO
understandably elated when I pulled it off.” Making his debut for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy against
Hyderabad in 1996-97 at the age of 17, Pawar had a distinguished First Class career, which lasted 16 years until the 2012-13 season when he turned out for Andhra Pradesh. After his retirement from First Class Cricket, he had been Chairman of Mumbai’s Under-19 Selection Committee for two seasons from 2017 to 2019 while he was Coach of the Mumbai U-19 Team during the 2019-20 season.
Ace Indian paddler Sharath Kamal is thriving in the international arena and is all set to represent the country at the Tokyo Olympics this year By Deepika N, Manager (CC), SRO
One of the most popular names in the Indian table tennis circuit, Sharath Kamal enjoys the privilege
of being hailed as the face of the sport in India. And rightly so. His enthusiasm for the game was ignited at an early age. “I was three years old when my father, Srinivasa Rao (a Dronacharya awardee), took me to the club. I’ve been playing the sport since I was four,” recalls Sharath. What started out as a hobby, slowly turned into a career option. “I decided to turn professional right after finishing secondary school,” says Sharath.
Then came the arduous journey to the top — the first five years of his professional career being quite tough. “I would work out in the mornings and play table tennis for eight-nine hours a day. The results weren’t showing though. My coaches always believed in me and kept encouraging me to dream big. They said my style of playing would help me shine in the international arena. They always pressed me to achieve what no one else had done,” beams Sharath.
His coaches’ words proved to be true. In 2002, Sharath was a finalist at the national championship and the
following year, he became the national champion for the first time. “I won gold at the Commonwealth Games around that time and also represented India in Athens Olympics in 2004,” he distinctly remembers.
Sharath considers eight-time national champion Kamalesh Mehta his role model. He says, “Kamlesh was a disciplined and dedicated sportsperson. I also admire Pulella Gopichand. I was awestruck when I met him in person.”
Smashing his Way to Glory
Sharath Kamal.
Highest Ranking 30 (2019)
2006 Commonwealth Games - Melbourne
Timely action by IOCians helps avert a major LPG hazard
A major LPG accident on NH-58 Meerut Bypass Road was averted due to the well-timed action of the Plant
Rescue Team of officers from Loni, Madanpur Khadar and Tikrikalan LPG bottling plants. A bulk LPG tank truck (TT) was loaded from Madanpur Khadar LBP for Haridwar LBP on April16, 2021. Unfortunately, the next noon, the TT overturned at Modipuram Chowk, Meerut.
Mr. Gaurav Garg, AM (LPG-Sales), Meerut-I LSA rushed to the accident site and coordinated with the local police, the officials from the nearby GAIL station and the district administration in the initial rescue operation. The movement of road traffic on either side of the accident spot was restricted immediately.
Mr. Vinod Meena, AM (Plant), Loni LBP and Mr. RK Ghoshi, Manager (Plant), Madanpur Khadar LPG Bottling Plant rushed to the site. The team first arrested the leakage in the LPG vapour line valve, and then moved the bullet off the road to an isolated place. This allowed the police to resume the road traffic.
The prime mover was badly damaged in the accident whereas the trailer (tank-mounted portion) was in sound condition except for the suspension. The team then
decided to repair the suspension (leaf spring). Mr. Sudhir Nanda, Senior Manager (LPG-Safety), Tikrikalan BP, also joined the rescue team. The entire team remained near the accident spot through the night to resolve the issue. It was only by 6 am on April 18, 2021 that the repaired trailer was connected to a newhorse and the TT started moving back to Loni LPG BP for decantation.
Sharath will be representing India in the Tokyo Olympics later this year. This will be his fourth Olympics. He says, “The Olympic games are always special. This is my highest-ever world ranking; and I’m in good form. I believe that Tokyo is going to be my best Olympics in terms of results.”
Talking on qualifying for Tokyo, he says, “I found it easier to qualify for the singles this time compared to Rio, when I was coming back from a hamstring injury. However, in the mixed doubles, Manika Batra and I had a tough time. We had to beat the world No. 5 in order to qualify. The win gives us a lot of confidence.”
Preparation and training are very important for any sporting event, more so when you’re representing the country at the Olympics. “I had to shed some weight. Every day, I spend four to five hours in the gym and then
The damaged tank truck.
play table tennis for another four to five hours,” states Sharath. Additionally, his coaches have “studied” his body to prevent recurring injuries.
The Coronavirus restrictions did impede his preparations, much like everyone else. “I started preparing and training for the Tokyo Olympics from November 2019. In March, I won the Oman Open. Three weeks later, everything came to a standstill. I re-started my preparations in October 2020," he reveals.
Sharath is very thankful to IndianOil for all the support he has received over the years. “During the initial years, I wanted to go to Europe and train. I could do so without the stress of worrying about finances.”
Advising aspiring young sportspersons, Sharath says, “Always aim high and work hard. When you set your benchmarks high, it’ll help you realise your dreams.”
Unsung Heroes
Sports Buzz
On May 6, 2021 an LPG bullet tank truck with 18 mt LPG from Total India Private Limited, travelling from
Mangalore to IndianOil’s Kollam Indane Bottling Plant met with an accident at 1:30 pm at Chala, Kannur while negotiating a curve.
As the truck toppled, the roto gauge was damaged and there was heavy leakage from the tank. Thanks to the various public awareness campaigns done by IndianOil in Chala, residents were aware of the procedures to be followed during a gas leak incident. They immediately alerted the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, Kerala State Electricity Board to isolate power supply and evacuated from their homes immediately.
The fire crew from Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, along with the locals contained the leakage by placing sandbags and filling soil between the bullet tank and the ground, however, the point of leakage was not known.
Mr. P Jeyasankar, Chief Plant Manager of Kozhikode Bottling Plant (located 105 km from the accident spot) helmed the rescue operations. The Emergency Rescue team of IndianOil, comprising Mr. Adithya Achuthan, Asst. Manager (LPG-Safety); Mr. S Shafeek, Asst. Manager (Plant); and two staff members, Mr. Abdul
Rescue: Not Just a Verb, but a Promise
Jaleel and Mr. P Vidyadharan reached the site along with an Emergency Rescue Vehicle and started to carry out rescue operations.
The rescue team checked the site and the position of the bullet. Since it was anticipated that changing the position of the bullet may lead to abnormal leakage, which in turn would form a vapour cloud, it was decided to transfer the entire product to other bullet tank trucks. The team sprung up into action and started the LPG transfer at 6 pm using the LPG pump facility available in the Emergency Rescue Vehicle.
The manifold was positioned in the mid-height of the tanker, because of which only the liquid level above the manifold could be transferred initially.
Rescue work at the accident site at Chala in Kannur.
By Radhika S, Manager (CC), SRO
Unsung Heroes
Unsung Heroes
7, 2021. The bullet was handed over to the team of heavy lifters and the tank was uplifted and subsequently shifted from the spot by 10:30 hrs.
IndianOil congratulates the unsung heroes who averted a major disaster!
The leakage from the LPG bullet.
Abdul Jaleel, Adithya Achuthan and S Shafeek from Kozhikode Bottling Plant who were involved in the rescue work.
Without losing any time, the team decided to pump water into the bullet. After transferring the liquid above the manifold level, using an NRV along with a male coupling joint arrangement, water was pumped in 8 kg/ cm2 pressure, ensuring that vapour pressure in the tank didn’t exceed 100 PSI.
Water pumping was continued and the raised level of LPG was pumped and transferred to another bullet. The process had to be repeated multiple times, until water reached the level of manifold. However, the LPG vapour within the bullet had to be contained.
The LPG compressor facility in the Emergency Response Vehicle was used to transfer the vapour from the bullet to another bullet truck. The LPG Compressor Low Suction Trip pressure was set to 20 PSI, as the accident bullet was at around 20 PSI pressure and the residual vapour quantity was then vented out using water filled barrel.
After venting out the residual vapour, the accident bullet pressure was made to 0 PSI and then water was filled and drained. With this process, the whole volume
of the bullet was degassed by the rescue team.The whole operation was carried out till 8:10 am on May
Need for ERVs in Kerala Kerala State had witnessed many LPG bullet accidents as well as petrol/diesel tank truck accidents in the past few years. The state is more accident-prone than many others, since the geographical condition of Kerala is predominantly hilly and the roads are narrow and the territory enjoys heavy monsoons throughout the year.
IndianOil voluntarily decided to place one ERV each in all three of its LPG bottling plants at Kozhikode, Kochi and Kollam. These state-of-the-art ERVs are capable of handling both LPG and POL Tank truck accidents. There are also equipped with a DG set, a 1 KL water tank to take care of any ice formation; lifting and pulling equipment, telemast lighting, smart hoses that closes on either side in case of any hose burst, GPS to track the ERV. It also has an exclusive cabin crew arrangement in addition to the front cabin to accommodate five people from rescue team. There are also non-sparking tools, fire proximity and low temperature (minus 40°C) suit, SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus).
P Vidhyadharan
Media Bytes
In an interview with Economic Times, Mr. SM Vaidya says that the overall demand for fuel has reduced as compared to April 2021
“Fuel demand 15%-20% lower till date”
Has fuel demand taken a knock due to localised lockdowns? Unlike last year, we don’t have a nation-wide lockdown this year. It has been more localised in different geographies. Compared to last month, overall demand has gone down by about 15% to 20% in all the segments. ATF is the worst hit; MS, HSD demand has gone down by about 15% to 20% while LPG demand has increased by 10%. But then everything is on the way to recovery before we hit the second wave. Let us wait and watch.
Can you talk about the impact of the localised lockdowns as well? How are you managing it? Automotive demand had dropped by nearly 60%. In fact, our refineries had operated at about 40% in April last year. This year it has not been so. The automotive demand is in the range of 80%-85%. All our assets — 125 terminals, 95 LPG bottling plants, 121 aviation stations and our cryogenic plant at Nashik among others. We are also manufacturing oxygen containers in this time of need.
All our operating assets including LPG delivery boys, pump attendants across the 32,000 retail outlets, are working. The entire fuel sale is very much
on and we understand that the fuel disruption will be disastrous for the country.
We have got 11 refineries, out of which, Guwahati Refinery had a planned shutdown which was already there but otherwise all the 10 refineries are operating. They are operating at reduced load.
How are you managing to provide oxygen? We are now supplying about 270 MT per day of medical grade liquid oxygen, and we have also got an abundance of gaseous oxygen, again medical grade. I am very happy to share that a 450-bed Covid hospital has been inaugurated next to the premises of Panipat Naphtha Cracker wherein we will be supplying
the oxygen to the hospital. Apart from that, we have been given the task of mobilising ISO containers and LNG tankers, converted to oxygen for the criss- cross movement of the liquid oxygen in the country. By the end of May, 108 tankers including ISO containers will ply on the roads to supply oxygen in deficit areas.
By the end of May, 108 tankers including ISO containers will ply on the roads to supply oxygen in deficit areas.
— SM Vaidya, Chairman
S&P Global Platts has cut India’s demand for oil & gas amid the second wave of COVID-19 cases that have triggered lockdowns across key states since the past few weeks. For 2021, it now pegs the oil demand growth at 350,000 barrels per day (b/d), down from a forecast of 485,000 b/d made in February 2021 – translating into a fall of nearly 28%. India’s city gas demand, Platts said, could drop by 25% – 30% in the coming months. “Since the dramatic escalation of new cases in mid- to-late February, we have revised down India’s oil demand forecast by 135,000 b/d for 2021 — down from a forecast of 485,000 b/d made in February,” said Mr. Kang WU, Head of Global Demand and Asia Analytics, S&P Global Platts. —Business Standard
Platts cuts India’s 2021 oil demand by 28%; sees
crude topping $70
Off The Grid
IndianOil has its footprints across the length and breadth of the country, with IOCians taking up the mantle to ensure fuel security in remote, far-flung locations.
They work through harsh winters in the mountains, arid deserts and damp islands. With our latest feature, Off The Grid, we focus on lives of IOCians serving in these geographically diverse locations.
Braving destructive earthquakes, navigating devastating landslides, and facing political storms — such is life when working at Rangpo LPG Bottling Plant in Sikkim, celebrating its silver jubilee this year. Suman Tamang, Plant Manager, Rangpo LBP, takes us through the highs and lows of working at this nestled between the hills location
In the Land of Landslides
Rangpo LBP, the only bottling plant in Sikkim, was commissioned on November 28, 1996.
Rangpo is surrounded by green, lofty mountains, and the majestic Teesta river runs parallel to the town.
To an unaware outsider, Rangpo, belongs to a remote part of Sikkim. The picturesque town is situated in a
valley and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty— forests and mountains. The River Teesta that originates from the Pahunri (Teesta Kangse) glacier runs parallel to the town and life would seem peaceful and without many hassles to the uninitiated. However, Rangpo comes with its share of troubles — some natural and many others, manmade. So, living and working here is not exactly ideal, but IOCians at Rangpo LPG bottling plant sail through rough waters with their dedication and expertise.
Rangpo is situated about 25 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, the climate is moderate, generally, with the temperature hitting 35° C and dropping to 8° C to 9° C on the higher and lower extremes, respectively. However, the
weather is still unpredictable so one has to brace for that occasional light or heavy shower oft times.
Rangpo LPG bottling plant Rangpo is the only bottling plant in Sikkim, and it caters to the LPG requirements of the entire state. Commissioned on November 28, 1996, the plant which is built on 6.9 acres of land is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The area where the plant is located is a heavy industrial belt of Sikkim state and has many pharmaceutical companies. The plant which itself gets its LPG supply from Raninagar, boasts three bullets (storage/transportation tanks) with a capacity of 33 mt each and two bullets with a capacity of 100 mt each, taking the total storage capacity of the Plant to ~300 mt.
Work at the plant happens in two main shifts, the first of which starts at 7:30 am and the general shift ends by 5 pm in the evening. During this time, the 100 odd staff — five officers, eight workmen, and other personnel (including drivers, labourers) — work towards bottling on an average 4,000-4,500 cylinders daily, which are supplied to private distributors, in the form of 5-kg domestic and commercial cylinder, 14-kg domestic cylinder, and 19-kg commercial cylinder. Apart from this, maintenance and other ancillary activities happen on Sundays or holidays too.
Working under difficult conditions Weather is a major hindrance to the plant’s operations. Sikkim sees a lot of natural calamities all year round, of which landslides is the most common one. NH10, that connects the region to the rest of the country, runs along the River Teesta across the valley. Since, this highway was built by cutting the base of the adjacent mountains, the area is prone to landslides, which, when they occur, block the highway. This blockage cuts the supply of not just LPG but products such as fuel, food, medicines, and most other items. Sikkim also sees a lot of seismic activities and the region often experiences tremors. This too adds to the landslides.
The health infrastructure in the region is not at par with that in Gangtok or other nearby, major cities. Hence, in case of a major medical issue, residents need to travel to places such as Siliguri that have better medical facilities.
On a brighter note… Though, challenges are aplenty, working in Rangpo, there is a bright side too. Laden with natural beauty, Rangpo is a visual delight and there are many places nearby for sight-seeing. So,
the IndianOil team that works at the LBP has many options to go vacationing or on day trips to spend quality time with family. They also visit Gangtok or Siliguri, where there are cinema halls, malls, and other rest & recreation activities.
The team also gets together on Sundays or during their time off and they talk to each other, share stories, etc. This translates into a learning activity as they get to know each other better, learn about each other’s culture, and also get a grasp of each other’s languages. Mr. Tamang, who hails from the neighbouring state of West Bengal, speaks six languages, and in his words, “This is a gift given to me by IndianOil. I learned many languages through my postings and interactions with people of different regions.”
Indianoil: A partner in nation building Mr. Tamang says, “IndianOil is a mammoth Corporation that is focused on public service, apart from its business interests. All IOCians are dedicated to the Company and the country. Just like the defence forces that guard the nation’s borders, IOCians also work towards the needs of the public. The Corporation also complements the operations of the defence forces by providing fuel supply to them. IndianOil is the only organisation that has presence in all locations in the country.”
The plant boasts the latest, state-of-the-art technology and bottles domestic and commercial cylinders of different capacities.
The five bullets with total storage capacity of 300 mt provide LPG supply to the entire state of Sikkim.
All in the Family
Coming from one of the greatest filmmakers of all times, Stanley Kubrick’s works stand out due to its distinct style — be it direction, cinematography, the artistic sets, the captivating music or any other aspect of production. Multimedia artist and IOCian ward Kiran Kulkarni’s artwork was picked by up the legendary filmmaker’s social media handles to showcase his immortal legacy
Kiran Kulkarni made most of her time under lockdown in 2020, by catching up on filmmaker Stanley
Kubrick’s works. Especially, The Shining, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Eyes Wide Shut and Full Metal Jacket, caught her imagination. So much so that she even dedicated a design project — #36DaysofType — to the auteur.
Turns out, the folks behind Stanley’s official social media handle too were impressed with Kiran’s understanding of the director’s work. In May 2021, Kiran Kulkarni, daughter of JB Kulkarni, DGM (IS), Marketing Division HO recently found her artworks posted on Stanley Kubrick’s official handle. They put up posts from her project for #FanArtFriday in an ode to his legacy.
“It was unbelievable. Even when they got in touch with me to seek permission, I never thought they’d actually put up my work,” gushes Kiran, who’d spend late nights watching his movies with her siblings.
A product designer and art director by profession, Kiran took about a month to conceptualise the styles and aesthetic for #36DaysofType, a design project inviting artistes to present their interpretation of the letters and numbers from the Latin alphabet, for 36 days. Once the theme was definite, Kiran decided to work on the technicalities.
This meant going back to the drawing board and rewatching a lot of his work to understand his aesthetics and colour palettes. She was careful to remain true to his vision. “Kubrick’s films are artworks. I learnt about anatomy, and how shadow and light work when I started learning about his style. I watched a lot of his work to understand symmetry, colours and why he’d use those specific colour schemes,” recalls Kiran.
Kiran did take up the challenge valiantly, but Kubrick’s oeuvre and distinct style of work weighed
Art Attack
Kiran Kulkarni.
A screenshot of her project shared on Stanley Kubrick's official Instagram and Twitter handle.
heavily on her mind. After all, Kubrick is a personality known for both his cult cinema and his legion of fans, more so in the Internet era. Taking a cue from the
An illustration of the project, where Kiran worked with Latin letters and numbers.
director’s filmography, she decided to leave her art open for interpretation. She observes, “I researched on his work. I decided to develop my style and aesthetic along the way. I accepted the fact that even if people don’t get my art, it would still be okay because his movies were like that.”
While it took her about a month to plan the project from start to finish, she faced a snag; but she refused to give up. “I had planned everything from start to finish, but it got difficult when I began to juggle it with my day job. I started doubting if I could see this project through,” reveals Kiran. Another challenge was to present the
letter B. Eventually, she used a combination of three films —The B is taken from Lolita’s goggles, the side stand window and the floor from the climax scene of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Lolita and the yoga lady's cat from A Clockwork Orange.
Invigorated by the positive feedback she has received for the project, Kiran is now looking at papercutting and Indian mythology. “Design for me is a tool to express myself. Even when I am not working, I am doing something related to design and art. I can’t ever switch off from it,” she concludes. As it should be, we concur.
After my transfer to New Delhi, I was invited to join my friends for a trip to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. While I
declined initially, a few videos of the recent tiger sightings at Ranthambore were all it took to change my mind. That was all it took; I was lured. The thrill of watching the big cats in their natural habitat was enough incentive for the photographer in me.
After six long hours of being on the road, we reached Sawai Madhopur, an adjacent town to the National Park that has hotels for every budget.
The terrain at Ranthambore varies from grassland to woodland to rocky and the forest harbours dry deciduous trees and open meadows. The Reserve being home to a
significant population of Royal Bengal tigers, spotting the magnificent beast on a day safari from a distance becomes easier for the visitors.
While there is no guarantee of spotting one, it isn’t really difficult to witness the elusive cat saunter past your Jeep, or better yet, look you straight in the eye. Patience is the key when it comes to spotting a tiger. One also needs a razor- sharp sense of hearing and should be able to differentiate the alarm calls of the sambar deer or monkeys to be able to zero down on the area where there could be a tiger. But since most of us are novices in this regard, the services of a seasoned guide comes handy.
The tigers in the Reserve are quite accustomed to
Wanderlust
Wield your binoculars and head to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve for your next adventure
RANTHAMBORE CALLING Pictures and Text by Late Bikash Ranjan Mohanty, DGM (Gas), Business Development
human presence and hence the chances of sighting during the safari ride are quite high. Witness them walk leisurely on the jungle tracks or take a nap in the open.
As per the last census carried out in 2018, there are around 70 tigers in Ranthambore, all of them have names and have gained celebrity status. The most famous tigress of this tiger reserve was the legendary late Machhli who had the distinction of being the most photographed tigress in the world.
Though primarily known for the big cats, Ranthambore also houses a vast number of species of other animals and birds, many of which can be sighted up-close. One can very well spot other animals and birds carrying on their activities from close quarters in the serenity of the jungle. The experience of sitting silently, listening to the sounds of the jungle and soaking up the surroundings is soothing.
Watch out for leopards, striped hyenas, jungle cats, chinkara (Indian gazelle), Indian false vampires, Indian flying foxes, porcupines, sambar deer, nilgai, Indian sloth bear, Indian wild boar, spotted deer, chital, grey langur, rhesus macaque, etc. There are three large water bodies inside the park that are home to crocodiles, turtles, Indian pythons, monitor lizards, etc.
In avian species, one could find Indian rollers, hoopoe, hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers, bee-eaters, herons, storks, shikra, etc. Apart from the 40 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles and 50 species of butterflies, migratory birds from various regions make Ranthambore their winter abode for its widespread availability of food in the dry and marshy lakes.
Clicking the big cat in the wild is a challenging task. First of all, one needs to be lucky to have a tiger sighting and, then doubly lucky to get it in the range of the lens. Further, one may not always get proper lighting and a good angle. However, once you have a sighting and get a decent snap, the efforts undertaken to travel to the reserve, the backbreaking safari rides and long hours of wait all become worthwhile.
Once you’re done with the safari, do find time to visit Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Jogi Mahal beside Padam Talao, Kachida Valley, Malik Talao, Raj Bagh Ruins, etc. For all wildlife enthusiasts, Ranthambore is a must-visit as they get to see tigers and other animals in their natural habitat and experience the atmosphere of the jungle firsthand.
Mr. BR Mohanty passed away due to COVID-19 in May 2021. Mr. Mohanty was passionate about travel, wildlife and photography and a regular contributor to the magazine. We regret his untimely demise.
By Road: Ranthambhore is well-connected to New Delhi and Jaipur. It is about 360 km by road from New Delhi; one could travel from New Delhi- Manoharpur (NH-48) and then Manoharpur-Dausa– Lalsot-Sawai Madhopur (NH-148). It is about 176 km by road from Jaipur (NH-552).
How to Reach:
Ranthambore National Park is spread over an area of 1,334 sq. km. The safaris to the Park can be done in two shifts i.e. morning from 06:30 am to 09:30 am and evening from 14:30 pm to 17:30 pm either in a Maruti Suzuki Gypsy which carries a maximum of six people or the Canter which carries 20 people. All the safari rides are accompanied by a guide and the visits are strictly confined to the booked zone. There are 10 zones out of which Zones 1 to 6 are Core Zones and Zones 7 to 10 are recent additions. Bookings to any of the zones are based on the availability of slots and have to be done online only. However, spot bookings can be done at the last moment also, depending on the availability of seats.
Good to Know

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May 2021 A Giant Leap Ahead

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