Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. is transitioning its retail model toward multi-energy mobility hubs to move beyond traditional fuel pumps [1, 2].
This shift represents a strategic pivot for the Indian energy giant as it adapts to a diversifying transport landscape. By integrating electric vehicle charging and broader mobility services, the company aims to maintain relevance in a market moving away from exclusive reliance on internal combustion engines.
VV Muralikrishna, Executive Director of Non Fuel Business at HPCL, said this vision during the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026 in India [1, 2]. Speaking on the topic of "Retail Reinvented: Beyond The Fuel Pump," Muralikrishna said how the company intends to reshape its physical footprint [1, 2].
The strategy focuses on transforming existing stations into hubs that support multiple forms of energy [1, 2]. This approach allows the company to serve a wider array of consumers, ranging from traditional petrol and diesel users to those utilizing electric vehicles, within a single location [1, 2].
Muralikrishna said the goal is to reinvent the retail experience to ensure the company remains a central part of the mobility ecosystem [1, 2]. The integration of EV charging infrastructure is a primary component of this transition, reflecting a broader industry trend toward decarbonization and energy diversification [1, 2].
By expanding into non-fuel businesses and multi-energy services, HPCL is attempting to hedge against the long-term decline of fossil fuel demand [1, 2]. This transition involves not only technical upgrades to stations but also a conceptual change in how energy providers interact with drivers [1, 2].
“HPCL is transitioning its retail model toward multi-energy mobility hubs.”
The transition to multi-energy hubs indicates that major state-backed energy firms in India are acknowledging the inevitable rise of electric mobility. By diversifying their retail offerings, these companies are attempting to transform their physical assets from simple refueling stations into comprehensive service centers, reducing their financial vulnerability to the volatility and eventual decline of oil demand.
