Regency Petroleum eyes growth with launch of second service station
Published:Saturday | August 19, 2023 | 8:07 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Regency Petroleum Limited (RPL), a relatively new company in the petroleum industry that went public on the Jamaica Stock Exchange last year, has opened its second petrol service station at Paradise in Westmoreland.
Prior to now, the company had mostly concentrated its petroleum-trading activities in western Jamaica, selling bulk and retail liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) – or cooking gas – in central and western parishes.
On Wednesday, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz cut the ribbon to formally opened the petrol station, which is operating on a 24/7 basis.
Dr Andre Foote, chairman of Regency Petroleum, noted that in the not-too-distant future, there will be many other RPL petrol stations, strategically placed in every parish.
“Today is the first step; there are a lot more to come. The board of directors is excited and committed to the growth of this organisation, and with your continued support, in the very near future, Regency petrol stations will become a household name in Jamaica,” Foote said.
“RPL will be a great addition to the industry because we have the best service and competitive prices. That is what you can look forward to with the opening of this and every RPL service station,” the chairman promised.
Andrew Williams, who has responsibility for the daily operations of the company as the CEO, said that the petrol station is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced fuel-dispensing technology, an electric vehicle charging station, and a spacious full-service café that can be used as a workspace.
“This venture represents a substantial investment in the community and promises to bring immense value as it provides employment opportunities for the local community while contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of the parish,” Williams said.
Regency’s full-service petrol station, according to the CEO, will also contribute significantly to the overall transportation network and accessibility, aimed at satisfying the energy needs in the parish.
Williams said it has always been his dream to have a Jamaican-owned company operating a service station of this calibre.
In keeping with the company’s vision to become Jamaica’s leading gas provider, he revealed that two other petrol stations located in Negril, Westmoreland, and St Catherine are now under construction and will become operational in the next eight months.
Citing the advancement and global reach of Jamaica’s rich culture, performing arts, and sports, Williams is also harbouring thoughts of transforming RPL into a global conglomerate
“We aim to be perceived as a multinational company. It’s time for us to take our company to that level,” he noted.