Kuala Lumpur, 24 August 2021 – PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has recorded a stronger performance for the quarter ended 30 June 2021 (Q2FY2021) compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Profit before tax rose to RM89.9 million compared to RM1.2 million in the corresponding quarter last year, on the back of improved oil prices and volume resulting in higher gross profit. Revenue for the quarter grew to RM5,144.0 million, from RM2,931.8 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
Commenting on the Company’s performance, PDB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Azrul Osman Rani said, “We are pleased that business has gradually improved from last year. However, we remain cautious of the uncertainties in this current climate and will continue to be prudent and optimise our resources. We will also continue to look at diversification of our portfolio, while leveraging strategic partnerships and digital platforms that can support our future-proof strategies to bring value-add to our customers.”
In line with accelerating its non-fuel segment, the Retail business will be expanding its food-on-the- go (ready-to-eat) solutions corner in Kedai Mesra to 80 locations nationwide by end of the year. It will also leverage its digital platform to offer customers a more seamless experience via the integration of its Mesra loyalty programme with the Setel app. The Commercial business continues to advocate the adoption of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a cleaner fuel option. In Q2FY2021, it had converted five customers to switch to LNG.
In the same quarter, the LPG business introduced Gas PETRONAS mobile app at selected areas within the Klang Valley to facilitate the ordering of cooking gas. The GPHD service has garnered positive response and expansion is underway. The LPG business had also introduced the F14 cylinders within the central region to cater specifically to the forklift industry.
The Lubricant business continues to deliver a competitive edge by offering differentiated customer experience with value-add, leveraging e-commerce platforms and its network of PETRONAS AutoExpert workshops. Booking for service at PETRONAS AutoExpert has also been made easier via collaboration with POMEN mobile app.
“Apart from ensuring business sustainability, we are also focused on giving back to the community in line with our promise of making their lives simpler and better,” said Azrul.
Over 350 PETRONAS stations nationwide are participating in the Food Bank Programme, aimed at providing essentials to those affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. PDB has allocated RM600,000 worth of food supply to amplify the programme so it could reach more people. The programme also allows the public to join the cause either by purchasing food bank packs at selected PETRONAS stations from their vehicles using Setel’s Deliver2Me feature or remotely from their homes through Mesra point redemption via the Setel app. The food bank packs are delivered to the participating stations utilising PDB’s existing supply chain and thus 100% of the donations can be channelled to the beneficiaries of the food banks without incurring additional costs.
In addition, the Company continues to contribute essentials to front-liners nationwide since the start of the pandemic. The items were delivered to front-liners stationed at vaccination centres, hospitals, roadblocks, and quarantine centres, as well as to delivery riders during the PETRONAS Coffee Break campaign.
PDB also recently concluded its nationwide PETRONAS Primax 97 with Pro-Race Fuel Contest where over 350 lucky winners brought home close to RM1 million worth of prizes, including a condominium unit sponsored by UEM Sunrise Berhad.
Safety remains PDB’s utmost priority. To this end, the Company has ramped up sanitisation efforts across all its PETRONAS stations nationwide and ensures its front-liners adhere strictly to SOPs. Customers are also encouraged to switch to Setel app as a safer payment option for fuel and Kedai Mesra items to help minimise contact.
“The prolonged pandemic remains a key risk for PDB. However, we anticipate the Government’s recent announcement on the relaxation of restrictions will help to stimulate economic activities. We will continue to monitor the market trend for growth opportunities and accelerate our targeted marketing campaigns,” Azrul concluded.
PDB has declared an interim dividend of 10 sen per ordinary share for the quarter ended 30 June 2021.
