DIVERSIFIED energy group Puma Energy Zimbabwe has set aside more than US$12 million for capital expenditure this year as it seeks to modernise and expand its operations across the country.
Puma Energy Zimbabwe managing director Donatien Kodog told businessdigest that the company would be focusing on expanding and modernising its retail stations across the country to maximise their value.
“This year, with a budget allocation of over US$12 million, we intend to spend US$8 million on the expansion and modernisation of our retail service stations throughout the country, which includes quick service restaurant projects,” he said.
“Furthermore, US$2 million will be directed towards essential projects, such as the installation of new modern pumps and the enhancement of forecourt facilities to maximise the value of our existing sites.
“Additionally, resources will be directed towards the development of renewable energy solutions with 19 Puma service stations set to be solarised in 2024. Puma Energy Zimbabwe currently operates storage facilities at international airports in Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, and work is underway to upgrade infrastructure and expand storage capacity at its Harare facility.”
Kodog said the energy firm was determined to spend US$30 million in the country over three years to increase its storage capacity, open new service stations, and introduce alternative energies, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and solar solutions to meet the energy requirements in the country.
“We are extremely confident about the future of Puma Energy Zimbabwe. We plan to invest US$30 million in the country over the next three years to increase our storage capacity, open new service stations, and introduce alternative energies, such as LPG gas and solar solutions,” he said.
“We are also collaborating closely with our industry partners and relevant regulatory authorities to maintain a consistent and reliable fuel supply in Zimbabwe. Puma Energy Zimbabwe is also investing in local talent and communities.
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“We are extremely confident about the future of Puma Energy Zimbabwe and our commitment to ‘energising communities’ – to diversifying our solutions to better meet the energy requirements of the nation.”
The energy giant is also working on implementing a zero-harm policy that focuses on third-party trucker training and the use of in-vehicle monitoring systems to track and monitor driver behaviour to minimise exposure and mitigate accidents while transporting fuel by road.
Puma Energy Zimbabwe, according to Kodog, is proactively engaging with industry partners and regulatory bodies to ensure a reliable and steady fuel supply.
He said the firm took safety issues seriously.
“Puma Energy’s long-running ‘Be Puma Safe’ initiative promotes responsible and careful driving to create a safer environment for everyone,” Kodog said.
“Our zero-harm policy focuses on third-party trucker training and the use of in-vehicle monitoring systems to track and monitor driver behaviour to minimise exposure and mitigate accidents.
“Puma Energy’s HSSE (health, safety, security & environment) protocols include conducting periodic fleet inspections, managing the age of the fleet, and implementing rigorous preventive maintenance measures.
“Additionally, at a retail filling station level, there are regular and systematic condition checks to ensure optimal operational standards.”
Puma Energy entered the Zimbabwean market in November 2013 by acquiring 60% of the ordinary shares of Redan Petroleum, a Zimbabwean fuel supply business.
Its business ranges from retail to business-to-business operations and also aviation where the company supplies fuel to major airports around Zimbabwe.
Puma Energy is a leading global energy business, safely providing energy across six continents.
The downstream business segments include fuels, aviation, lubricants and bitumen. Puma Energy has 1 998 retail sites and is present at 107 airports.
