Good ideas may help you become a billionaire, says Founders of Pepfuel.com, an on-demand fuel delivery startup. Former private-sector employees, today they own a company with an annual turnover of over Rs 100 crore. Pepfuel.com was started in 2014 by three youngsters – Tikendra Yadav, Sandeep Thakur and Pratik Kathil. The Uttar Pradesh-based platform stands apart due to its door-to-door fuel supply business.
It was during a trip that the idea of ‘online fuel business’ struck Tikendra, Sandeep and Pratik. The trio, who were on their way from Delhi, ran out of fuel on the way. They could not find a single fuel station within a 10 km radius. This situation led to the birth of Pepfuel.com. It was not a quick decision. They ventured into the business after proper research and preparation. They collected opinion online and offline. Most of the participants supported the idea of an ‘online application’ delivering petrol and diesel.
Online delivery of petrol and diesel is a very risky business in India. Until 2016, petrol delivery was not allowed in the country, Tikendra says. Until the government allowed it, the platform distributed only diesel. Cooperation with oil companies helped the business flourish, says Sandeep. Recommendations were sent to the Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Petroleum Process Engineering Service. The startup idea was also sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). A few days later, they got a reply from PMO. At the same time, they were asked to submit a detailed project report on the Faridabad-based Indian Oil business. The business launched after receiving the approval of the DPR. The startup provides business-to-business service. Today, many hotels, hospitals, manufacturing units and logistics operators are clients of Pepfuel.com.
To place the order, select vehicle type, required quantity of fuel, delivery slot and address on the app. One can order a minimum of 200 litres. The company started operations through Mobile Dispensing Units in Delhi and its suburbs. It plans to complete 100 Mobile Dispensing Units in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mohali. The company also claims to be the first government-approved platform for doorstep delivery of petroleum products.
