Indian Oil Corp, the state-owned Fortune 500 oil company, plans to tap the mall rush. Lured by the footfalls at retail hubs, it plans to set up petrol pumps at multiplexes and hypermarkets to improve its auto fuel sales, says the Indian Express. "Modalities for the operation of these retail outlets would be decided jointly with the mall developers and Board's approval will be sought separately for specific cases," says the proposal approved in principle by the IOC board.

India's largest auto fuel retailer is banking on the evident shopping spree in the country.

An IOC official said talks have been initiated with Big Bazaar and Pantaloon for setting up the pumps in their precincts.

IOC's strategy is to provide people visiting malls a more "holistic experience". Its outlets at the retail hubs would provide customers the convenience of tanking up or getting their cars washed or repaired while shopping in an air-conditioned environment.

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