Oryx Energies opens its first 7 distribution centres in Benin
26 June 2013
Oryx Energies inaugurated its first 7 distribution centres in Benin on June 10, in association with the Aléchou and Castel Groups. This marks the beginning of a programme that will see the opening of 86 centres across the country over three years.
“It is an innovative concept and a small revolution in the distribution of hydrocarbons in Benin, “said Jérôme Beseme, Director of Oryx Energies in Benin. “The concept brings together the sale of a series of essential items, like food and drinks, domestic gas and petrol, in one place, offering a practical and convivial space in town centres”, he added. Oryx Energies opened its first “life’s essentials” in 2012 on the outskirts of Cotonou, as a precursor to the distribution centres.
The distribution centres cover on average 600 m2 and systematically include:
- An area with non-food items (petrol, LPG, lubricants)
- An area with food and drinks (beer, soda, water)
- A small supermarket with ice-cream and everyday products
- A business centre with internet access and a photocopy machine
Each centre offers a home delivery service, while a national call centre enables people to place orders between 6am and midnight every day.
Oryx Energies and its partners will create commercial areas in Benin covering a total of 50,000 m2, and over 1,800 jobs by the end of 2015 for a total investment of 12 billion FCFA (US$ 24 million). The first 40 distribution centres are expected to be completed by end October 2013.
Oryx Energies has been present in Benin since 1997 and is a key player in the country’s energy sector.
