Australia’s United Petroleum goes global with Sri Lanka, eyes expansion

• Company announces operational launch on 28 August, confirms arrival of its first fuel shipment 
• Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says Sri Lanka now has 5 financially viable companies actively engaged in petroleum retail business
• Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens expresses hope partnership will yield mutual benefits for both countries
• United Petroleum COO Grant McGregor shares plans to introduce United Petroleum’s range of lubricants as additional service, convenience store concept
• United Petroleum Lanka Director and CEO Dr. Prabath Samarasinghe opines company’s innovative approach and commitment to quality will set new benchmarks in country’s energy industry
• United Petroleum Lanka General Manager Retail Operations Gratien Wickramasinghe announces inking agreements with 82 dealers, with more to go
• Petroleum Shed Owners Association President Kumar Rajapaksa shares readiness for ‘blue revolution’ with entry of United Petroleum 

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara	Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens
United Petroleum COO Grant McGregor	United Petroleum Lanka Director and CEO Dr. Prabath Smarasinghe
United Petroleum Lanka General Manager Retail Operations Gratien Wickramasinghe	Petroleum Shed Owners Association President Kumar Rajapaksa

By Charumini de Silva

Australian energy giant, United Petroleum marked its foray into international operations this week with a distributor felicitation event in Colombo, signalling a move to expand its lubricant range and convenience store concept at its gas stations across the country.

United Petroleum’s operational launch is set for 28 August, commencing with 150 filling stations additionally, the company plans to establish 50 new fuel stations demonstrating its commitment to a strong presence in the market.

The company intends to develop and raise the standards of Sri Lanka’s retail petroleum sector by providing high-quality products and services.

At the event, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera highlighted the strategic importance of United Petroleum’s entry to Sri Lanka. 

“Sri Lanka is at a crucial juncture for economic stability and growth and energy security. 

Thus, the entry of United Petroleum will not only boost market competition but also attract further foreign investment, which is vital for the country’s growth,” he added.

He acknowledged that with the entry of United Petroleum, Sri Lanka now has five financially viable companies actively engaged in petroleum retailing in the country.

“The effort was more than bringing in new retailers and liberalising the petroleum market. It was part of a broader strategy to ensure quality and value,” he said.

Minister Wijesekera also said that there is freedom for the company to expand its business beyond the initial 200 filling stations, as demand grows.

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens praised the partnership. “With over $ 30 million investment coming to Sri Lanka this marks a significant milestone. United Petroleum’s presence is expected to enhance competition and implement best practices in the local petroleum industry,” he added.

The High Commissioner also commended the Government for its efforts to stabilise the economy, expressing hope that this partnership will yield mutual benefits for both countries.

United Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Grant McGregor outlined the company’s legacy and core values, asserting their commitment to safety, customer experience and sustainable growth.

“We have a strong safety culture. Our priority is to deliver high-quality products and services whilst maintaining the utmost integrity and trust,” he added.

McGregor also shared plans to introduce United Petroleum’s range of lubricants as an additional service, while hinting at plans to expand into its convenience store concept.

United Petroleum Lanka Ltd. Director and CEO Dr. Prabath Samarasinghe opined the company’s innovative approach and commitment to quality are expected to set new benchmarks in country’s energy industry.

“We aim to create a retail experience that reflects United Petroleum’s strong reputation and commitment to safety,” he added.

United Petroleum Lanka Retail Operations General Manager Gratien Wickramasinghe announced that the company has signed agreements with 82 dealers, readying them for operations to commence on 28 August in Colombo with expansion to other areas the following day. He also confirmed the arrival of the first fuel shipment.  

Wickramasinghe extended gratitude to the United Petroleum founders Avi Silver and Eddie Hirsch for their confidence in Sri Lanka as the sire of their first overseas retail venture. 

Petroleum Shed Owners Association President Kumar Rajapaksa expressed optimism about United Petroleum’s entry into the market. “We look forward to a positive relationship with United Petroleum, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to distribute fuel effectively through its network of 150 outlets and build a lasting relationship with the end customers,” he added.

Rajapaksa said they were game for a blue revolution with the entry of United Petroleum. 

Pix by Shehan Gunasekara