After entering the Botswana petroleum market through the acquisition of BP Operations, Puma Energy has opened up alternative routes to supply fuel from other parts of the SADC region.
The midstream oil company active in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia is now operating close to 200 service stations, including major storage terminals in Angola, Mozambique, Dubai and Gautamala.
Puma Energy Botswana General Manager Mahube Mpungwa at the launch of the company said the company managed to retain and grow the customer base significantly by leading major supply contracts.
“Plans are in place to upgrade some of our retail sites, including the one in Phakalane and also build new sites,” said Mpungwa
He stated that when Puma took over the operations in December 2010, the country was experiencing fuel shortages due to constraints from supply terminals in South Africa.
He said the experience of Puma Energy in managing supply issues was demonstrated as the company opened up alternative supply routes from other parts of the SADC region.
He revealed that a number of decisions, which were previously conducted in South Africa, have been transferred to Botswana to empower citizens of the countries in which it operates.
“This is an exciting journey and the dawn of a new era for the oil industry and our retail sites will soon carry Puma signs as part of our re-branding,” said Mpungwa.
According to Mpungwa, airports refuellers and depot facilities will also be included in the rebranding. He stated that the company is looking forward to working closely with government and other oil companies to determine how to meet the demands of the local oil industry.
Puma Energy’s major customers include Debswana, Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Power Corporation, Seabelo Transport, Avis Car Rentals, Choppies, Van & Truck Hire and WBHO to name but a few.
“We stepped our engagement with all our stakeholders and assured them that it was business as usual until the successful bidder is announced,” said Mpungwa. He stated that Puma’s success has been achieved by working closely with local entrepreneurs, business communities, financial organizations and government departments to help create an environment where the independent market can grow.
It has a variety of fuels including diesel, gasoline, jet and LPG and also lubricants. It also has global shipping capabilities with blending facilities to meet specific regional demands.
