Extracted from Daily News

Lanka IOC is planning on investing Rs. 400 million to add another 20 fuel stations to the current network, while also completing refurbishments of the existing fuel outlets, Lanka IOC Managing Director Subodh Dakwale said.

The company has also plans to export lubricants to test the markets of Indonesia and Malaysia.

The company’s market share of the lubricants sector will also be expanded through promotional campaigns by utilising the growing fuel station network as retail points. In this regard, extensive market surveys have already been conducted and revamped Lanka IOC lubricants will be launched in the new financial year(2015/2016). “Although I do not anticipate significant revenue contributions from market development initiatives over the short term, I believe export markets will open up new revenue opportunities over the longer term,”Dakwale said.

Lanka IOC bunkering operations are currently facing severe price competition from Indian ports that are able to offer lower prices due to domestic production of fuels, while Lanka IOC has to accommodate the additional costs related to fuel imports. However, he is hopeful that company’s technical expertise and extensive range of services will continue to provide a competitive advantage to ensure sustained revenue growth in the new financial year. (IH)