Update:
Sent the
RTI applications to IOC, HPCL and BPCL.
Only HPCL replied within the 30 day period.
The answers given clearly show that:
1. No test results for difference between ordinary product and branded product available.
2. The main difference is a "additive".
3. The price difference between ordinary and branded was only Rs. 1.28 for Petrol and Re. 0.36 for Diesel on 1 January 2005 but has now increased (as on 19 July 2008) to Rs. 4.00 for petrol and Rs. 2.55 for Diesel. There is no change in the composition of the branded product during this time.
4. Dealers are paid higher margin on branded product as compared to ordinary product - Rs. 1.052 v/s Rs 1.240 for Petrol and Rs 0.631 v/s Rs 0.721 for Diesel.
5. Sales progress clearly shows that either the consumers have taken whole heartedly to branded fuel or the company/dealers are consciously pushing the product:
PETROL
Jan 2005 365 v/s 1929 (normal) abt 16%
Jan 2006 539 v/s 2078 abt 20%
Jan 2007 396 v/s 1638 abt 20%
Jan 2008 1011 v/s 3458 abt 23%
June 2008 1874 v/s 3080 abt 38%
(the figures given do not give the units like - litres, KL, lakhs, million litres etc..)
Slightly lower trend noticed in Diesel.
Now going for First Appeal with HPCL since the reply said that ALL outlets in Hyderabad/Secunderabad stock ordinary as well as the branded product. Unfortunately the HP outlet closest to my home does not have any ordinary diesel or petrol for the last 1 year. In fact, today, they did not even have the branded diesel in stock !