Oil marketing firms to improve air quality at retail outlets

After initiatives to improve their stations image, as well as automating their petrol pumps, Indias national oil marketing companies have set their sights on a measure to improve air quality at the retail outlets. Taking the lead in this direction, by installing vapor recovery system at some of its outlets in the city, is Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The system recovers the vapor that dissipates when petrol is dispensed and from the fuel tank of the vehicle, explained senior officials of the company. The basic objective behind installing the vapor recovery system is the benefit that it promises from health, safety and environment perspectives, said R. Radhakrishnan, general manager (South Zone) of HPCL. Noting that the system was for petrol dispensers at the outlet, he said there was also a business case in using it as the vapor is recovered and sent back to the underground tank. But, its advantages in terms of contributing to improved health of the staff, safety of the outlet and benefits to the environment far outweighed that. (May 8, 2008)