Puma Energy deepens footprint in Zimbabwe
FUEL retailer, Puma Energy has opened a diesel storage facility in Bulawayo, which will
ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel to its southern region of the country.
With a holding capacity of one million litres, the storage facility will support the
company’s expansion drive in the region, managing director Mr Daniel Duffau said.
“We have opened storage in Bulawayo to facilitate the supply of the southern zone and
this facility can hold up to one million litres at any given time,” said Mr Duffau.
“Supply to the facility is through rail and can be replenished in 24 hours hence we will
not run dry in the southern zone.” With guaranteed diesel supply security, Mr Duffau
said Puma was looking to open seven filling stations in the southern region.
“This demonstrates the confidence placed in Zimbabwe’s economy and development
potential. These are new jobs created and also support for the economic development of
the country because we target urban and rural areas,” he said.
During his visit to Harare in September last year, the head of Africa at Puma Energy, Fadi
Mitri said Puma Energy’s strategy was focused on strengthening its core business in
high-potential markets, while also expanding its portfolio into new energy solutions.
“Zimbabwe represents an important market for Puma Energy and we see significant
promise in the country’s growth potential,” said Mr Mitri.
“We remain committed to contribute to Zimbabwe’s growth journey by investing and
expanding our retail network and offering our customers a convenient one-stop-shop
for high-quality fuel, lubricants and convenience shopping.”
In light of the projected global energy crisis, Puma said it would put in place measures to
guarantee consistent supplies by diversifying new sources and delivery routes.
Global commodities trader Trafigura Group is the major supplier of Puma Energy.
“Supply problems will certainly cause price volatility,” said Mr Duffau. “The challenge
posed by thisprice volatility remains the adequacy of prices at the pump, which must
guarantee the capacity in terms of cash flow to be replenished.
“It is through anticipation and a fair assessment of needs that Puma Energy Zimbabwe
intends to minimize the impact of market prices on the country’s economy.
“We believe in Zimbabwe and as an international company we want to invest in
Zimbabwe, by giving the country new products such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas and
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG),” Mr Duffau. Puma will also explore new energy solutions
such as solar.
Mr Duffau said the company was looking to grow fuel supplies to the aviation industry.
Currently, Puma is supplying fuel to airports in Victoria Falls, Harare as well as
Bulawayo.
Puma Energy is a leading global energy business, providing energy across the globe. Its
downstream business segments include fuels, aviation, lubricants and bitumen.-The Herald
