Rompetrol bets on filling stations

Rompetrol Downstream, the fuel retail company of the Rompetrol Group, is placing its bets on the expansion of its filling station network by a further 140 stations from the current 238 stations, group officials say. The company expects to make a 450 million dollar (346 million euro) turnover this year and achieve a 15% market share, up from the current 10%, says company manager Paul Pop. EBITDA for Rompetrol’s petrol station network was 5.38 million dollars (4.3 million euros) against a 327.7 million dollar (263.8 million euro) turnover, 50% higher than in the previous year. The company believes the good results are due to the expansion of the number of filling stations. Notwithstanding, fuel prices increased last year, prompted by the high prices for petroleum and petroleum products on the international market. The company built 21 new stations last year. Rompetrol currently has a network of 238 filling stations of which it owns 86, with the rest operated by franchisees. Almost one third of last year’s sales were made on credit, which will double this year, Rompetrol estimates. ZF