ENPC TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES IN FUEL RETAIL SECTOR

MBABANE - ENPC is making significant strides in its plans to establish a network of fuel stations across the country, presenting promising business opportunities in the fuel retail sector. The Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC) has awarded a consultancy contract to Rathe Consulting for the development of its retail fuel stations operating model.
The consultancy, valued at E655 500, will guide the framework for establishing and managing fuel stations under the ENPC brand.

ENPC is a national oil company, under the Ministry ofNatural Resources and Energy that was established by the Petroleum Act of 2020. ENPC’s main objective is to ensure fuel supply security in Eswatini and to promote ease of access to petroleum products.  The move aligns with ENPC’s mandate to ensure fuel supply security and enhance access to petroleum products, particularly in key national development areas (KNDAs) that are currently underserved.

Feasibility

As part of this initiative, ENPC plans to licence and operate retail fuel stations under a franchise model, allowing selected emaSwati to own and run these outlets.  The project includes a five-year retail network strategy that will define market entry options, site feasibility studies and the business structure of fuel retail operations. Through this initiative, ENPC aims to empower emaSwati by creating opportunities for them to enter and thrive in the fuel retail business.

The franchising model will provide business owners with access to established infrastructure, branding and operational guidelines, reducing the risks associated with independent fuel retailing. The project will also include a comprehensive training and support programme for franchisees, covering business management, operations and regulatory compliance.  This structured approach will enable local entrepreneurs to successfully operate and manage fuel stations while contributing to Eswatini’s energy security.

The establishment of ENPC-branded fuel stations is expected to stimulate local economic growth, create jobs and increase accessibility to petroleum products, particularly in areas where fuel supply is currently limited. The investment in these stations will also attract additional businesses, such as convenience stores and automotive service centres, further enhancing economic activity in the identified development areas.

With ENPC taking decisive steps towards implementing this initiative, the fuel retail industry in Eswatini is set for a transformation that will not only secure the country’s fuel supply, but also open doors for local business ownership in a traditionally capital-intensive sector. As the company finalises its operating model, businesses should keep an eye on upcoming opportunities to become part of this pioneering project. Following a competitive bidding process, ENPC selected Rathe Consulting as the best-evaluated bidder.

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