PUMA Energy Africa Holdings’ logo, a white puma and brand colours, green and red now emblazon all former Redan and Sakunda Filling and Service Stations in the country. Puma Energy is a joint venture between Trafigura, one of the world’s leading commodities traders and Sanagol, an Angolan state-owned firm on a 52-48 percent shareholding basis. The Singaporean-based global fuel company made its first push into the country when it acquired a 60 percent stake in Redan Petroleum in November 2013. Through the Redan acquisition, Puma got 62 service stations across the country. The following year, Puma gained 63 more service stations after sealing a 51-49 percent shareholding deal with Sakunda Energy, giving birth to Sakunda Petroleum. Puma energy’s interests in Redan and Sakunda give the global fuel giant exposure to a combined 125 sites in the country, becoming a major competitor in a sector that was dominated by Total with 100 outlets. However, Total, a France-based fuel giant seems ‘unmoved’ by the Singaporean based company’s competition. The local unit of international energy firm Total, Total Zimbabwe recently said it expects to maintain its dominance in the country’s fuel industry despite the re-emergence of foreign competition. The Puma Energy investment in the country comes at a time when there is a scramble for ventures as foreigners are being lured by the country’s high fuel consumption levels. Over the past five years, fuel consumption has risen driven by high imports of pre-owned vehicles. The increase in use of generators caused by electricity shortages has also raised fuel demand. Zimbabwe’s import bill of fuel averages around US$120 million per month or US$1, 4 billion annualised with diesel, which is also used in production processes at US$80 million and petrol at US $40 million. It is reported that Puma Energy recently paid US$120 million to Government for the use of the Feruka-Msasa pipeline which links Beira and the Harare fuel depot. The transportation of petroleum products through the pipeline is considered to be relatively cheaper than road. Government last year introduced a US$0, 04 per litre levy on fuel importers using the road transport in a bid to force them to use the Beira-Feruka pipeline. Puma has previously indicated that it will continue to invest in retail offering by acquiring or constructing new sites and developing C-stores. The acquisitions also put the global fuel company on course for a greatly expanded role in the Southern and Western African region. Apart from Zimbabwe, Puma is present in 15 other African countries including Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Benin, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. The group reports more than US$12 billion in turnover. Puma has 1 800 retail sites worldwide and capacity to store 5, 6 million litres of oil. Engen Holdings Zimbabwe, a joint venture between Malaysian national oil company, Petronas and local shareholders is another company that has grown its foot prints in the country and expanded operation over the past few years following the retreat and exit of BP & Shell, Chevron and Caltex.