From schools and hospitals to fleets and cars, all of these require diesel supply. How does FuelBuddy tailor its services to meet the unique needs and demands of varied sectors?

Each sector has unique requirements, and at FuelBuddy, we understand that. To cater to diverse needs, we offer a range of solutions, from 24/7 generator refuelling to convenient Buddy Cans. With FuelBuddy, consumers enjoy the ease and flexibility of ordering fuel right to their doorstep or job site, eliminating the need to travel to the nearest petrol pump.

We prioritise safety by addressing common concerns, such as pilferage, adulteration, and leakage, through advanced IoT technologies. Our approach is centered around cutting-edge technology, providing customers with intelligent and efficient fuel management solutions tailored to their sectors and requirements.

For instance, commercial and residential complexes rely on power generators for uninterrupted electricity supply. Traditionally, users would have to transport jerry cans or barrels to procure diesel from nearby fuel stations, which can be unsafe. FuelBuddy revolutionises this process by allowing users to order diesel anytime and from anywhere, ensuring a hassle-free and secure experience.

With FuelBuddy, we aim to empower customers to focus on their core operations while leaving their fuel requirements in our capable hands. Our goal is to provide intelligent, reliable, and safe fuel solutions that enhance productivity and peace of mind across various industries.

As the on-demand economy grows, customers are increasingly seeking convenience and efficiency. How does FuelBuddy's mobile fuel delivery service cater to these customer demands, and what advantages does it offer over traditional fuel purchasing methods?

The trend towards mobile fuel delivery is gaining momentum. The market for mobile fuel delivery is appraising at US $4.8 billion in 2022 and likely to garner a revenue of US $4.8 billion by 2032. It is Gautam Malhotra, Managing Director, FuelBuddy, poised to attain a CAGR of 6.8 per cent during the forecast period (2022-2032).

It provides immense convenience to customers who no longer have to leave their business locations to refuel their assets, allowing them to concentrate on their core business activities. Furthermore, mobile fuel delivery is a safer option as it minimises the risk of accidents and can address issues such as pilferage and spillage during transportation.

FuelBuddy offers doorstep diesel delivery services through its mobile app, ensuring all safety protocols are followed during the delivery process. With a strong foothold in sectors such as hospitality, construction, mining, and heavy machinery, FuelBuddy has established itself as a leading Energy-as-a-Service provider.

Consumers enjoy unparalleled convenience as fuel is delivered directly from our app to their location, eliminating the need to visit a physical gas station. This saves valuable time and effort, particularly for businesses, industries, especially in remote areas. Our service also provides enhanced safety and reliability through real-time tracking, ensuring secure deliveries and transparent updates on the fuel delivery status.

How do you ensure the safety of fuel transportation and delivery while adhering to relevant regulations and maintaining high standards in this aspect?

We adhere to the relevant regulations and maintain a level of standard in all aspects of our operations. Our team undergoes a rigorous training regime to ensure they are well-versed in the safety protocols and procedures. We use high-end technological advancements such as GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, Geo-tagging, Geo-fencing, and IoT sensors to ensure there are no safety-related issues during the entire delivery process.

Additionally, we conduct regular maintenance and inspections of our vehicles, so that they are in optimal condition. Safety is at the core of our business, and we continuously strive to uphold the standards for our customers and stakeholders.

Our operators are Hazmat trained, in addition to being extensively trained in the safe handling of fuel. Our refuellers are designed and fabricated as per guidelines in the Petroleum Act and Rules by PESO (Petroleum Explosive Safety Organization of India). Additionally, they are equipped with spill containment kits, fire extinguishers, and first aid to ensure complete compliance and safety.

Tell us in detail about the company and its transition from being a Fuel-as-a-service company to an Energy-as-a-service company. Kindly shed light on the factors that enabled this transition.

the factors that enabled this transition. We want to become a one-stop solution for all our customer's energy needs. We plan to leverage our existing infrastructure and customer base to expand into the energy space. By venturing into new areas, we are confident of capitalising on the growing demand for clean energy solutions and continue maintaining our position as the market leader in the energy-as-aservice market.

Along with the delivery of clean energy, we are also developing mobile EV charging stations for consumers. These charging stations will follow an onsite charging system, which is to be managed by our central tech team. This service will reduce the range anxiety among EV users and significantly boost the EV charging infrastructure of the country.

How do you ensure continuous fuel availability, and how does it handle unexpected spikes in demand or unforeseen circumstances that may impact the supply chain?

Robust Planning: Our extensive experience in the industry allows us to predict fuel demand with a high degree of accuracy. Through diligent planning and analysis, we ensure that a continuous fuel supply is available to meet customer needs.

Diversification Strategies: We are implementing robust hedging strategies to handle unexpected spikes in demand or unforeseen circumstances. We maintain partnerships with multiple standby fuel suppliers, enabling us to procure additional fuel when needed. By doing this, we ensure that we can swiftly respond to unexpected surges in demand and maintain a continuous fuel supply.

Collaborative Delivery Partners: We have established strong collaborations with reliable delivery partners. In case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances that may impact our supply chain, we work closely with these partners to coordinate alternative delivery routes or prioritise urgent fuel requirements. This collaborative approach helps us minimise disruptions and maintain uninterrupted fuel availability.

Effective Communication: We believe in transparent and proactive communication with our customers. In case of potential delays or supply chain disruptions, we promptly inform our customers and provide them with the necessary updates and alternative solutions. With this, we ensure that our customers are well-informed and can make necessary adjustments based on the circumstances.

By combining meticulous planning, hedging strategies, collaborative partnerships, and effective communication, we ensure a continuous fuel supply and efficiently handle unexpected spikes in demand or unforeseen circumstances that may impact the supply chain. We aim to maintain uninterrupted diesel availability and provide a reliable service to our valued customers.

Partnering with established players like HPCL and IOCL can provide valuable resources. How does FuelBuddy plan to leverage these partnerships to accelerate its growth in the lubricant sector?

Our strategic partnerships with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) enable us to provide doorstep delivery of lubricants to our customers. These partnerships allow FuelBuddy to expand its range of services beyond fuel delivery and tap into the growing demand for lubricants in the country.

Firstly, it saves the consumers time and effort, as they no longer will have to visit a physical store to purchase lubricants. Through these partnerships, our customers receive genuine and high-quality lubricants at competitive prices.

Recently, the company has received substantial funding of $20 MN. What are the key areas of development you will be focusing on now? Are there any specific innovation or expansion plans in the pipeline?

FuelBuddy is transitioning from being a Fuel-as-a service company to an Energy-as-a-service company. The recent funding of $20 million will further bolster the expansion of our portfolio, enabling our vision of providing energy services to users across the globe. We are working to start operations in the UAE market and are now close to launching our offerings in the region, replicating the success we have seen in India. We are also looking at tapping newer opportunities in India, with aggressive growth targets across key geographies - India, MENA, and Southeast Asia.

Expanding into new cities comes with challenges such as logistics, regulatory compliance, and establishing a local presence. How is the company planning to deal with these challenges and ensure a smooth entry into new markets? Tell us in detail about your growth and expansion plans.

Our expansion efforts are already underway in crucial growth markets, including the UAE and Mozambique, and we remain committed to expanding into more cities across India. By the end of 2023, we anticipate adding 50 more cities in India. (Currently, we are in 180+ cities). Furthermore, we aim to broaden our range of energy-related services beyond our current offerings and explore opportunities to provide EV charging stations to our customers.

In mobile fuel delivery, real-time tracking and visibility are paramount. How are you utilising technology to provide customers with real-time updates on their fuel delivery status to track the progress of their orders?

At FuelBuddy, we understand the importance of realtime tracking and visibility in mobile fuel delivery. We utilise technology to provide customers with seamless updates on their fuel delivery status, allowing them to track the progress of their orders in real-time.

Through our mobile application and online platform, customers can conveniently access their accounts and view the real-time status of their fuel delivery. We leverage GPS tracking technology to track the location of our delivery vehicles, enabling customers to see the live movement of their orders on a map. This feature provides transparency and peace of mind, as customers can monitor the progress of their delivery and get clarity on when the fuel will arrive.

Additionally, our technology enables automated notifications and alerts at various stages of the delivery process. Customers receive updates when their order is confirmed, when the fuel vehicle is en route, and when the fuel is successfully delivered. One can browse these notifications through the mobile app, email, or SMS based on their preferences.