Bhatkal: A new Indian Oil fuel station, MGM Petroleum, owned by Eerappa Naik Gardikar, was inaugurated at Sodigadde Cross near Sarpankatte in Bhatkal taluk by former Karnataka Minister Mankal Vaidya.

Speaking on the occasion, Vaidya said the new outlet would ensure easy access to quality fuel for people living in the rural areas. He noted that motorists, farmers and residents from surrounding villages would no longer have to travel to Bhatkal town or Shirur for fuel, resulting in significant savings in both time and transportation costs.

The newly opened fuel station features modern infrastructure, an attractive layout and an advanced lighting system, making it a prominent landmark along the route. It is the fourth Indian Oil retail outlet to commence operations in Bhatkal.

Among those present were former Gram Panchayat President Jagadish Naik, Venkatesh Naik Gorate, Bhaskar Moger Belke, Jyothi Eerappa Naik Gardikar, members of the Gardikar family, and several other dignitaries.