India Surpasses 100,000 Petrol Pumps, Becomes World's 3rd Largest Fuel Retail Market

• India's petrol pump network has crossed 100,000 outlets, making it the world's third-largest fuel retail market after the US and China.
• The number of pumps has doubled since 2015, with government retailers aggressively expanding accessibility in rural and highway areas.
• Over 90% of the pumps are owned by government companies like Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
• Nayara Energy Limited is the largest private retailer with 6,921 outlets, followed by the Reliance Industries Limited and BP joint venture, and Shell.
• Private sector's share in fuel retail has increased from 5.9% in 2015 to 9.3% currently, despite government's indirect price control.

Why It Matters: India's fuel retail market rapidly expanded, now third globally, largely driven by government companies.