Mogas to take on Shell, TOTAL

By Moses Kaketo

Uganda is truly a market of champions where only consumer driven companies will survive in highly volatile and competitive market. While some companies like British Airways, Shoprite and the like are closing shop, the focused ones are rethinking their strategies to match the changing market trends.

In the fuel market; Shell, and TOTAL have already repositioned themselves for this cause. Market intelligence reports indicate Shell is already regaining her lost glories. Not to be left behind, Maestro Oil and Gas (Mogas) is joining them for this fast growing market. Mogas has now hatched a grand plan that will see them take a reasonable share of the market. They are soon re-launching with a flagship station in Naalya near Metroplex mall, formerly Shoprite Naalya. Construction of this state of art fuel Station is ongoing.

The station will have modern amenities like Liquid silk similar to that of Village mall in Bugolobi, a modern washing way, Café and modern ‘resting place’ for high end. Reliable sources, tell Newz Post that similar stations will be constructed in strategic areas across the country. The positioning of this modern station is not by accident. According to analysts, Naalya and the surrounding areas Like Namugongo, Kyaliwajjala, and Kira are home to the country’s middle and first class citizens. Sources say eight of ten Members of Parliament especially those from upcountry area live in Kira Town Municipality. Others are country’s business tycoons, heads of civil service organizations and Non government organizations. You need to ply this road to witness for yourself the kind of cars plying this route.

The presence of supermarkets like Quality supermarket in Kyaliwajjala, and host of petrol stations are testimony of growing business in the area. The Billboard business along Naalya-Kyaliwajjala is also booming. The Mogas move is an indicator that the petrol station business in Uganda is moving away from just selling fuel to offering other services. Already Shell, City Oil and TOTAL are offering extra services. They have since upgraded their convenience stores to cafes. In the latest move, Shell Ntinda restaurant can deliver your food orders within the range of two kilometers away from the station. Well Mogas will offer more than this.

also read: How Oil companies are cheating Ugandans

Sources tell Newz.ug, other than selling fuel, the Mogas stations will have modern restaurants, dancing places (in partnership Silk liquid) to help client’s shake-off excess food and fats at night. Right of admission will be reserve of management.

The big brothers-Shell and TOTAL have rebranded and expanded their convenience stores into cafes or eateries. Instead of picking goods for bite as you drive, they are now encouraging you to park; eat and drink at their new attractive looking cafés. Mogas seem to be reading from this scripture. According to analysts, customers are likely to prefer fueling at a station where they can do more than just fueling rather than driving around looking for something .Plus the business of networking entails that people will most likely agree to meet at a venue that is convenient. Mogas seems to be looking towards this.

Will Liquid Silk survive in Naalya?

According to analysts the answer is obviously yes. Their argument is based on success of 3D Cinema at Naalya Metropex mall. The Cinema according to sources has performed far beyond the expectations of her proprietors. The Cinema has since been adopted at Haruna Towers in Wandegeya opposite Makerere University main gate. Unlike 3D cinema at Metropolex Mall which is poorly located, Mogas Naalya station location is in strategic spot giving it easy access – entry and exit.

Ready fly

The company has recruited partners in fast growing and traditional towns of Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Iganga, Masaka and Mbarara. Just recently, they recruited a new General Manager and plus an host of experienced staff in top management positions. Owned by Uganda business tycoon a former senior manager at TOTAL Uganda with connections in government, Shell and TOTAL should get ready for a new vibrant Mogas. With operations from state of the art 5,000m3 inland terminal, 35 stations across the country and more outlets coming up in strategic places.

Founded in 1987, Mogas is an integrated regional downstream oil marketing company with presence in the region. The company owns state of art marine terminals at Port of Dar es Salaam with capacity of 40,000m3 and Port Tana with capacity of 6,500m3, modern inland fuel depots with capacity of 5,000m3 in Kampala, and in Lubumbashi, DRC with capacity of 5,000m3.