Discover the fascinating history of India’s first petrol pump, opened by Burmah Shell in Mumbai in 1928. Learn about the early days of motor vehicles, the pump’s unique features, and the social impact of this landmark event.

 

Introduction

Have you ever wondered about the origins of something as commonplace today as a petrol pump? Long before the ubiquitous, high-tech fuel stations we see on every corner, there was a time when a single petrol pump was a landmark event, a marvel of modern technology. This is the story of India’s first petrol pump, a small but significant piece of history that marks the beginning of the country’s love affair with the automobile.

 

The Year is 1928: The Birth of a New Era

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In the bustling city of Mumbai (then Bombay), a quiet revolution was taking shape. While the world was still reeling from the aftermath of World War I, the first seeds of India’s automotive future were being sown. It was in this year, 1928, that Burmah Shell (the precursor to modern-day Bharat Petroleum) made history by opening the nation’s very first petrol pump.

The location was Hughes Road (now known as Anni Besant Road, Worli), a prominent street in Mumbai. The opening of the “Burmah Shell Station” was more than just a commercial venture; it was a symbol of progress, a testament to the changing times.

 

A Look at the Pump: Small in Size, Big in Impact

The early days of motoring were a far cry from what we know today. The first petrol pump was a simple affair, designed to cater to the very limited number of vehicles on the roads. It was not a sprawling service station but a compact, efficient setup.
Hand-Operated Dispensers: The pump featured just two dispensers, both of which were hand-operated. This was a manual process, a stark contrast to the automated, high-speed pumps we use today.
Limited Capacity: The daily consumption was only a few hundred liters. The storage tank had a capacity of roughly 200–300 gallons (about 900–1200 liters). This gives us a sense of how few cars were on the road and how different the scale of operations was.

 

A Social Spectacle: More Than Just a Fuel Stop

An old photograph of the historic pump reveals a fascinating detail: a crowd of people gathered on a balcony above, their faces filled with curiosity and wonder. For them, this was not just a place to buy petrol; it was a spectacle.

The sight of a car being refueled was a novel experience, a glimpse into a future that was rapidly unfolding. This image speaks volumes about the social impact of the petrol pump, how it transformed a simple transaction into a public event, a symbol of modernity and progress.

 

The Legacy of Burmah Shell and Bharat Petroleum

The legacy of that first pump extends far beyond its small size and hand-operated levers. Burmah Shell, which later became Bharat Petroleum, played a pivotal role in shaping India’s energy landscape. That first pump was the foundation upon which a vast network of fuel stations was built, fueling the nation’s growth and mobility for decades to come.

 

Conclusion

The story of India’s first petrol pump is more than just a historical footnote. It’s a reminder of a time when the world was a different place, when technology was a source of wonder, and when a small, hand-operated pump could capture the imagination of a city. It’s a testament to the remarkable journey of the automobile in India, a journey that began with a single pump on a busy street in Mumbai.