Litro Gas posts record growth in 2015

The national LPG (liquid petroleum gas) company marks 2015 a record year posting gross profits of over Rs. 6 billion with significant increases in volumes (22%) and market growth (acquiring a total 485,548 new connections).  

The market leader has grown its reach, to make LPG available in all areas of the island through a network of over 5,000 dealers. “It is of utmost importance that Litro Gas be available in all rural areas,” Chairman Shalila Moonesinghe said. “In doing so Litro Gas has maintained the highest safety standards ensuring that quality products are delivered to all our valued customers.”

In a joint communiqué the Chairman and Muditha Peiris, the Managing Director of Litro Gas Lanka Ltd., said: “With one of the largest price reductions seen in any given year, Litro Gas managed to grow its market by creating over 485,000 new connections. This has led us to a record year in 2015 with gross profits of over Rs. 6 billion.”

Highest ever volumes were also seen during 2015 with the company recording volumes of over 209,000 metric tons. This amounts to another record in terms of volume growth of over 22%.

“We continue to invest in our people to ensure that safety is maintained throughout our value chain,” Peiris said. “We have upgraded our cylinder refurbishment facilities in order to deliver a better product.” Peiris mentioned referring to the company’s new investments in cylinder maintenance and re-painting. “With these improvements Litro Gas will improve its quality and standards.”

Litro Gas continues to focus on its staff ensuring there is continuous development and growth within the organisation. 2015 has seen many staff being promoted within the organisation recognising their exceptional skills.

Litro Gas has a safety record that is second to none. “Safety is our prime concern as our business revolves around Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). When handled with due care LPG is a versatile fuel which is easily transportable to both city and village alike,” Peiris said.

Year 2015 saw the company recorded 888,413 of man hours with zero LTIs and zero fatalities. The company’s stat-of-the-art terminal, filling facilities and fleet of trucks ensures continued supply is maintained. Innovations and the introduction of new loading equipment have helped the operations team reach this excellent record. Increase of efficiency and effectiveness of systems and processes by using management techniques and employee involvement has made sure that the company remains efficient in an ever changing business world. 

Moonesinghe said: “Prime importance has been placed on good governance and controls.” He elaborated that the new board was appointed in mid-February 2015 with a clear mandate to ensure that Good governance and procedures were followed, in order to ensure that Litro Gas would be a benefit to the country as a role model corporate. Subsequent to this the Chairman and Managing Director took office on 10 February 2015.

In keeping with its social responsibilities, Litro Gas recorded the highest number of CSR activities in its history during last year which benefitted many communities across the country. The costal environmental campaign under the guidance of the President was a highlight in the company’s CSR calendar. Various other programmes have been conducted focusing on the developing rural communities through cleaner use of LPG as a cooking fuel. The company continues to further uplift its CSR this year.

Plans have already commenced on the development of the Litro Gas Terminal in the port of Hambantota to install a filling plant in 2016. This will be the second terminal and filling plant in Sri Lankan both of which and owned and operated by Litro Gas. This plant will mainly cater to the southern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. Currently the Litro Gas terminal in Hambantota is the only terminal in the country that is capable of exporting LPG. 

Further, the company has made arraignments to commence the manufacture of cylinders in Sri Lanka. This manufacturing facility will complement the business and will save the cost of importing cylinders from overseas. 

In keeping with the company’s philosophy of being the “trusted energy partner of first choice”, Litro Gas is looking to diversify its brand into other related areas of the petrochemical business. In this context Litro Gas is making plans to enter the retail fuels market in Sri Lanka. Litro Gas plans to build, own and operate fuel stations Island wide under the “Litro Fuels” brand. Both the Chairman and the Managing Director feel that the time is right for Litro Gas to branch in to these new streams of business and are creating the necessary environment for this to take place.

Year 2016 will be an interesting year for Litro Gas as it seeks to continue on its journey. Backed by the senior management and a team of dedicated and experienced staff the future remains bright for Litro Gas.