11 Jul 2016

Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources said government is pleased that the oil industry in Botswana is supporting industrialisation through provision of world class petroleum infrastructure, quality petroleum products and being mindful to the environment.

Officially opening the Puma Energy Filling Station located at Railpark Mall, Mr Kitso Mokaila commend the local oil industry for the sterling track record exemplified by the professionalism in which they are operating at in the local market, a sector which is yet to be fully regulated.

Mr Mokaila further said the occasion marks another welcome addition in the Puma footprint, which is one among the 34 Puma Energy branded service stations in the country.

“As is well known, without a continual and secure supply of petroleum products, our economy would come to a standstill. It is initiatives such as what we are witnessing today that best fits my government’s strategy of promoting reliable, affordable and accessible petroleum products to the nation,” he said, adding that that is why government established Botswana Oil Limited (BOL).

He said it was for purposes of ensuring security of supply and facilitating citizen participation in the petroleum sector, noting that BOL’s role, therefore, is complimentary and supplementary as opposed to competing with the local players.

Mr Mokaila further said it is notable that Puma Energy has ensured citizen economic empowerment through Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) among other things.

“I am pleased that BPOPF has acquired 20 per cent stake in Puma Energy Botswana. This means that more than 100 000 people will benefit from the profit made by the company and including continued growth of shareholder value,” he said.

Minister Mokaila indicated that he is equally pleased that BPOPF would be represented at board level and that, in his view, allows them to influence the strategic direction of Puma Energy in Botswana.

He said as a ministry, they are well aware of the challenges in the petroleum sector and acknowledge that it is their responsibility to provide the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

Our officiating here today, over and above our normal interactions to shape the local oil industry, is testimony that we indeed support the oil industry. To this end, I encourage Puma Energy to continue investing in Botswana and support government’s objectives of creating and enhancing business opportunities for Batswana and most importantly aiding youth development through creation of jobs,” he said.

Mr Mokaila cautioned the oil industry on being cognisance of managing the mushrooming of service stations in urban and major villages and also be mindful of the existing service stations as they continue to roll out their developmental programmes.

“If the foregoing is not managed, it will soon lead to closures of some stations due to low volumes or customer base, a situation that is to be avoided at all costs,” he said.

For his part, general manager of Puma Energy Botswana, Mr Mahube Mpugwa said they would be working round the clock this year to open five more filling stations throughout the country as a way of reaching out to more Batswana to have access to their products and services.

“Our range of lubricants is a world class leader and we supply these products to the retail, tourism, mining, agricultural and government sectors of Botswana. Puma Energy also supplies 50ppm Diesel and Castrol products,” he said.

Mr Mpugwa also highlighted that they are also dedicated to improving their processes to reduce pollution and waste, conserve energy and natural resources.

He further ensured attendants that they also value safety and prioritise on safety as a critical element of all operations in Botswana.

Puma Energy holds a significant section of Botswana’s retail market and remains as the sole provider of Aviation fuel in Botswana. ENDS