daniel chigunwe
Tapiwanashe Mangwiro
Senior Business Reporter
Puma Energy Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to remain in Zimbabwe saying this is evidenced by the US$30 million set aside for new investments, as the petroleum products distributing company looks to extend its footprint in the country.
The company said it sought to intensify its business presence through strategic partnerships aimed at elevating customer service, safety, and convenience.
General manager Donatien Kodog reaffirmed the company’s plans to grow its service station network and upgrade existing ones.
Mr Kodog said, “We are extremely confident about the future of Puma Energy Zimbabwe.
“This is evident in our plans 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 to the market.”
This comes as the company anticipates a surge in domestic fuel and energy consumption, which has led Puma to increase its collaborative efforts with industry partners and regulatory authorities.
Puma Energy said it wanted to play its part in maintaining a consistent and reliable supply chain in Zimbabwe.
Mr Kodog added, “We are also committed to working with our industry partners and relevant regulatory authorities on the consistency of supply in Zimbabwe.”
Puma Energy 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.
Additionally, the energy company will commit resources towards the development of renewable energy solutions, as well as investments in local talent and communities.
According to Mr Kodog, 19 retail fuel stations are set to be solarised next year drawing on the expertise gained from installing clean energy at 300 Puma Energy service stations worldwide.
The organisation is also actively engaged in delivering clean energy solutions to clients and gearing towards a just energy transition, including supporting their decarbonization journey.
Solarising service stations is part of Puma Energy’s global sustainability strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “The company is working towards a 15 percent reduction by the end of 2025 and 30 percent reduction by the end of 2032, and aims for operational net zero by 2050,” Mr Kodog said.
As a way of reaffirming this commitment at the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Puma Energy also signed the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter.
Online Reporter