IOCL should aim to offer complete energy solutions to the nation: SM Vaidya

New Delhi: Indian Oil Corporation Limited's (IOCL) Director (Refineries) SM Vaidya in his New Year address, urged IOCians not to limit themselves to fuel product but to offer reliable energy solutions across the entire fuel spectrum in the country. Vaidya shared the recent Indian Oil's Refineries Division initiative of supplying special winter grade diesel with modified specifications for the residents of Ladakh region.

The special grade fuel does not freeze even in minus 30-degree centigrade conditions and has considerably eased the lives in the region during the harsh winter months. Vaidya laid particular emphasis on ensuring pan-India availability of BS-VI grade auto fuels by April this year. Director (Refineries) also urged IOCians to adopt digitalisation in a big way to optimise precious human and material resources.

He has also spoken of nurturing creativity among the younger generation of IOCians for bringing innovative energy solutions for the country. SM Vaidya, who had taken over as Director (Refineries) of Indian Oil on October 14, 2019, has also been recommended to be next Chairman of IOCL by PESB. Prior to the inclusion in the IOCL's Board of Directors, he was serving as Executive Director (Operations), Refineries Division. He is also a Director on the board of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) and the 60 MMTPA (million metric ton per annum) Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited (RPCL).

Vaidya is a graduate in Chemical Engineering from NIT Rourkela and holds a diploma in Business Management. He has over 33 years of extensive experience in refining and petrochemicals operations. Vaidya has had a decade-long association with India's largest cracker plant, the Panipat Naphtha Cracker Complex, right from its commissioning stage. Panipat Naphtha Cracker Complex is one of the major drivers of IOCL's petrochemicals business. 

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