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COCO vs. CODO vs. DODO: Which Model Is Right for You? Opening a fuel station can feel like a big step. There are three main ways to do this. They are called COCO, CODO, and DODO. Each model has its own rules and benefits. By the end, you will know which model might work best for you.   Let’s start! 01 What Do These Letters Mean? COCO stands for Company Owned, Company Operated. CODO means Company Owned, Dealer Operated. DODO is Dealer Owned, Dealer Operated. These letters show who owns the land and who runs the station. “Company” means a big oil brand like Indian Oil, BPCL, or HPCL. “Dealer” means you, the person who wants to open the station. In COCO, the oil company owns and runs the station. In CODO, the oil company owns the land and pumps, but you run the station. In DODO, you own everything and run everything. 02 COCO Model: Company Owned, Company Operated 2.1. What Is COCO? In the COCO model, the big oil company does almost everything. They buy or rent the land. They build the station. They also hire staff to run day-to-day work. You do not own the station. Instead, you can work for the company as a manager or contractor. 2.2. How It Works The company picks and buys the land. They built the station with pumps, tanks, and a small shop. They hire people to fill fuel, handle payments, and clean the station. You can apply to become a manager or a contractor. You follow their rules and training to manage daily tasks. 2.3. Pros of COCO Low Investment Risk: You do not pay for land or pumps. Stable Salary: As a manager or contractor, you get a fixed income. Training Provided: The company trains you on safety and customer service. Brand Trust: You work under a well-known oil brand. Customers trust the fuel quality. 2.4. Cons of COCO No Ownership: You do not own the station or its profits. Less Control: You follow company rules, not your ideas. Limited Income Growth: Your salary or fee is fixed by the company. Job Dependence: If the company moves you or closes the station, your job ends. 2.5. Who Should Choose COCO? You have little money to invest. You want stable work and a guaranteed salary. You prefer working under a big brand rather than running your own business. You like to learn station operations without the risk of ownership. 03 CODO Model: Company Owned, Dealer Operated 3.1. What Is CODO? In the CODO model, the oil company still owns the land and pumps. But you, as the dealer, run the station every day. You pay a fee to the company for this right. You handle staff, customer service, and daily sales. You earn a profit by selling fuel and other items. 3.2. How It Works You apply to the oil company for a dealership. If approved, you will sign a contract. The company owns the land and equipment. You pay a one-time fee and a deposit for working capital. You hire staff to operate pumps, handle payments, and keep the station clean. You manage day-to-day operations, order fuel, and handle cash. The company supplies fuel at agreed prices and maintains major equipment. 3.3. Pros of CODO Lower Initial Investment: You do not buy land or heavy equipment. Profit Share: You keep most of the profit from fuel sales and convenience store items. Brand Support: You get marketing, fuel supply, and quality checks from the company. Operational Control: You decide staffing, customer service style, and local promotions. 3.4. Cons of CODO Dealer Fees: You must pay an initial fee and a capital deposit. Profit Cuts: You share some profit or margins with the oil company. Contract Terms: You must follow company rules and targets. Limited Asset Growth: You do not own the station’s land or pumps, so you cannot sell them. 3.5. Who Should Choose CODO? You have moderate savings and can pay dealer fees. You want to run the station and earn profits, but do not want heavy risk. You like the brand backing of a big oil company but want some control over operations. You plan to grow your profits through good management and customer service. 04 DODO Model: Dealer Owned, Dealer Operated 4.1. What Is DODO? In the DODO model, you, as the dealer, own everything. You buy or lease the land yourself. You buy pumps, tanks, and safety equipment. You run the station from day one. This model gives you the most control and profit, but also the most responsibility and risk. 4.2. How It Works You find and buy or lease the land on your own. You apply to the oil company for a dealer license. You sign a contract that lets you sell their fuel under their brand. You build the station with pumps, tanks, a canopy, and a shop area. You buy all the equipment: fuel dispensers, payment machines, and safety gear. You hire and train staff for fuel dispensing, housekeeping, and customer service. You manage ordering fuel, maintenance, marketing, and daily funds. 4.3. Pros of DODO Full Ownership: You own the land, pumps, and station. You can sell or lease it later. Higher Profit Potential: You keep all the profit after costs and fuel purchases. Complete Control: You set prices, choose staff, and make all business decisions. Asset Value: Your station is an asset you can use to borrow money or sell in the future. 4.4. Cons of DODO High Investment: You pay for land, pumps, and construction yourself. High Risk: If the business goes slow, you may lose money. Full Responsibility: You must handle everything: buying fuel, paying bills, repairs, and staff. Complex Approvals: You must manage all legal, safety, and environmental approvals on your own. 4.5. Who Should Choose DODO? You have enough money to invest in land and equipment. You want full control and are comfortable with business risks. You wish to earn the highest possible profit from your

Step-by-Step Guide to Open a Fuel Station: Petrol, CNG, or EV Opening a fuel station may seem complex at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward process. From acquiring land and obtaining necessary approvals (NOCs), to setting up the infrastructure and promoting your station, every stage requires careful planning. Whether you aim to open a Petrol Pump, CNG Station, or an EV Charging Point, understanding each step is crucial for a smooth launch. At every stage of this journey, Amarba supports you, helping with documentation, compliance, infrastructure, and promotional strategies, so you can focus on building a successful fuel business. 01 Know the Types of Fuel Stations Before you open a station, you should understand the three main types: Petrol/Diesel Station This is the most common fuel station. Cars, bikes, and trucks stop here to fill petrol or diesel. Diesel is thicker and used mostly in bigger vehicles like trucks or SUVs. CNG Station CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. It’s cleaner than petrol and better for the environment. Cars that run on CNG need special engines and strong cylinders. EV Charging Station EV means Electric Vehicle. These stations don’t give fuel, they give electricity. Drivers plug in their vehicles to charge the battery. You can open just one type or a mix of two or all three. For example, many stations today sell petrol and have EV chargers too. Amarba helps you pick the best combination based on your budget and location. 02 Choosing Your Business Model There are three main ways to run a fuel station. Each has different levels of cost, control, and profit. COCO (Company Owned, Company Operated) The fuel company owns the land and the station. You work as a manager or contractor. You get a fixed income but don’t keep the full profit. CODO (Company Owned, Dealer Operated) The company owns the land, but you run the station. You pay a fee and keep most of the earnings. You handle daily tasks like hiring and managing staff. DODO (Dealer Owned, Dealer Operated) You own or lease the land. You set up everything: tanks, pumps, or chargers. You get full control and profit but also handle all expenses. Not sure which one to choose? Amarba explains each model in simple terms and helps you choose based on your money and business goals. 03 Find and Secure the Right Land Finding land is a big step. Here’s how to do it: Pick a Busy Location: Choose a place with lots of traffic. Highways, busy city roads, or areas near malls are great. For EV stations, places where people park longer (like offices or malls) work well. Check Land Rules: Ask your local municipal office if the land can be used for a fuel station. This is called zoning permission. Also, make sure no one else claims the land by doing a title search. Lease or Buy: You can buy the land or lease it (usually for 30–60 years). Always check papers with a lawyer. Amarba helps you find good locations, check documents, and negotiate fair lease terms. 04 Get Licenses and NOCs Before building anything, you need to get legal permissions. These are called licenses and NOCs (No Objection Certificates). Fuel Company License Petrol/Diesel: Apply to companies like Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL. CNG: Apply through suppliers like IGL or GAIL. EV Charging: Contact the local electricity board or private providers. Local Authority NOCs Fire Department NOC: Ensures your station is safe from fire. Police NOC: Checks security systems like CCTV and fencing. Municipal NOC: Checks that your station design follows city rules. Environmental NOC (if needed): Required for sites near forests or lakes. Special Approvals CNG: You need PESO approval for high-pressure gas handling. EV: You need a grid connection from the local electricity board. This process can take time. Amarba helps fill out forms, track progress, and follow up with departments so approvals come faster. 05 Design and Build Your Station Once all permissions are in place, it’s time to build. Plan Your Layout: Draw a simple map showing pump spots, parking, and the office/kiosk. For CNG, plan space for compressors and storage. For EVs, decide where to put chargers so cars don’t block each other. Hire the Right Team: Get an architect and a contractor who have experience building fuel stations. Build in steps: Lay the foundation Install the canopy Pour non-slip flooring Set up underground tanks (for petrol/diesel) Build office space or a mini-store Amarba connects you with trusted builders and checks that the work is safe and high quality. 06 Install Equipment Good staff make your station run smoothly. For Petrol/Diesel Underground fuel tanks Dispensers/pumps Billing machines Fire safety tools For CNG Compressors and storage spheres CNG dispensers and leak detectors Safety kits and blowdown pipelines For EV Level 2 chargers and fast chargers Charging management software Cable holders, emergency cut-off switches Choose good brands and make sure everything is tested before use. Amarba helps you find vendors and supervise installation. 07 Hire and Train Your Staff Each type of station needs special tools. Hiring Roles Attendees for operating pumps or chargers Manager for handling orders, staff, and bills Training Areas Fuel/Charger Operation Safety Training Customer Service Emergency Drills Amarba arranges expert training sessions to prepare your team for daily work and emergencies. 08 Final Inspections and Compliance Before opening, your station must pass some final checks. Fire Safety Inspection Police or PESO Inspection (CNG) Electrical Inspection (EV) Oil Company Inspection (Petrol/Diesel) Building Code Inspection Once everything is approved, you’re ready to open! Amarba helps you fix any last-minute issues and schedules all inspections 09 Plan a Grand Opening and Start Marketing Now it’s time to bring in customers. Create Buzz Put up a “Now Open” banner. Offer opening week discounts. Give free services like an air check-up or windshield cleaning. Spread the Word Share posters in nearby shops Run ads on a local WhatsApp group. Partner with nearby restaurants or malls for mutual promotion Amarba also helps

Our Full Range of Services for Fuel Entrepreneurs Starting a fuel station can seem like a daunting task. You need land, licenses, pumps, and so much more. At Amarba, we make this journey simple. We offer everything you need, step by step, so you can focus on running your business and serving customers.   01 Finding the Perfect Site The first step in opening a fuel station is finding the right piece of land. We help you: Study Traffic: We look at how many vehicles pass by each spot every day. Check Nearby Shops: We see if people in the area need a fuel station. Confirm Zoning Rules: We make sure you are allowed to build a station there. Negotiate Lease or Purchase: We talk to the landowner to get you the best deal. With our help, you choose a site that gets plenty of customers from day one. 02 Choosing Your Business Model There are three main ways to run a fuel station. We explain each one in simple terms: COCO (Company Owned, Company Operated): The oil company owns and runs the station. You work as a manager or contractor. CODO (Company Owned, Dealer Operated): The oil company owns the land and pumps. You run the station every day. DODO (Dealer Owned, Dealer Operated): You own and run the whole station. You buy or lease the land and all equipment. We help you pick the model that fits your budget, skill level, and goals. 03 Handling All Paperwork Dealing with rules and regulations can take a lot of time. We take care of: License Applications We fill out forms for your fuel station license. No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) We get approvals from fire, police, and city offices. Environmental Clearances We make sure your station meets all safety standards. Lease Agreements We review contracts, so you get a fair deal. We track every document and give you simple updates. No confusing legal words, just clear progress reports. 04 Designing & Building Your Station Once your land and paperwork are ready, it’s time to build. We guide you through: Layout Planning: We draw maps showing where the pumps, tanks, and building will go. Architect & Contractor Selection: We introduce you to trusted experts who know fuel stations. Construction Supervision: We check that the work follows safety rules and quality standards. Branding & Signage: We help you install the company’s logo and signboards the right way. With our support, the station looks professional and meets all legal requirements. 05 Supplying Fuel & Equipment Your station needs pumps, tanks, and other gear. We arrange: Pump & Tank Suppliers: We connect you to reliable vendors for high-quality equipment. Bulk Orders: We use our industry contacts to get you good prices when you buy in large amounts. Installation Coordination: We schedule and oversee the delivery and setup of all machines. Quality Checks: We test each pump and tank to make sure they work without leaks or errors. This means you get a fully functional station that opens on time. 06 Setting Up CNG & EV Options Many customers want cleaner fuel choices. We help you add: CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Bays: We guide you through the special rules and high-pressure equipment. EV (Electric Vehicle) Chargers: We plan the power connection and choose the right charger types, from slow “Level 2” units to fast “DC” chargers. By offering petrol, diesel, CNG, and EV charging, your station meets the needs of all drivers. 07 Staff Training & Safety A good station needs well-trained staff. We provide: Operation Training: We teach your team how to handle pumps, payments, and customer questions. Safety Drills: We run fire and spill-response exercises, so your staff knows what to do in an emergency. Customer Service Tips: We share best practices for polite greetings, clean stations, and quick service. Maintenance Schedules: We set up regular checks to keep equipment in working order. This builds customer trust and keeps your station running smoothly. 08 Technology & Management Tools Modern stations use digital tools to work better. We offer: Point-of-Sale Systems: Easy-to-use payment machines that handle cash, cards, and mobile wallets. Fuel Management Software: Real-time tracking of fuel levels, sales data, and refill alerts. Mobile Apps & Loyalty Programs: Help your customers earn points and pay faster with their phones. Remote Monitoring: View station performance from anywhere using a web dashboard. These tools save time, reduce errors, and boost sales. 09 Marketing & Launch Support Opening day is exciting! We help you plan: Local Advertising: Simple flyers, banners, and social media posts to tell people about your new station. Promotional Offers: First-week fuel discounts or free air check-ups to attract drivers. Grand Opening Events: Coordinate ribbon-cutting ceremonies and small giveaways to make a splash. Signage & Branding Materials: Posters, flags, and standees that look clean and clear. A strong launch draws crowds and builds early loyalty. 10 Ongoing Support & Growth Our partnership doesn’t end on opening day. We stay with you to: Handle Renewals: We manage lease extensions and license renewals before they expire. Troubleshoot Issues: We help fix any problems with equipment, staff, or supply. Plan Expansion: When you’re ready for a second station, we repeat these steps to grow your network. Share Market Insights: We give you updates on fuel trends, pricing, and new government schemes. With our support, your station stays profitable and up to date.