Shell Branded Fuel Retailing Launches in Sri Lanka with RM Parks and Tristar Partnership

The first Shell-branded fuel station has officially opened in Sri Lanka at B.S. Cooray Filling Station, Ambathale, marking a significant development in the country’s energy sector. The launch follows the signing of a retail brand license agreement between Shell Brands International AG and RM Parks (Private) Limited in March 2024, along with a product supply agreement involving affiliates of both companies.

RM Parks (Private) Limited is a partnership between the Tristar Group, a fully integrated energy logistics business serving the downstream oil and gas industry, and RM Parks Inc., a seasoned distributor of Shell fuels in North America. Under the agreement, RM Parks (Private) Limited will rebrand a network of 150 fuel stations across Sri Lanka under the Shell name. This initiative comes as part of a 20-year contract awarded by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in 2023.

Eugene Mayne, Group CEO of Tristar, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration marks a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s energy sector, leveraging RM Parks’ expertise in fuel distribution and Tristar’s logistics and supply chain capabilities. Our goal is to enhance the country’s fuel retail landscape by introducing global best practices, superior service standards, and innovative energy solutions.”

Jason Callison, President of RM Parks Inc., highlighted the significance of the launch, saying, “The opening of our first Shell-branded station is a momentous step forward. Shell has long been associated with excellence, trust, and innovation in the energy sector. Our partnership with Tristar will bring these values to Sri Lanka, fostering economic growth and development while ensuring high-quality fuel and service for consumers.”

The launch event was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, who acknowledged the positive impact of the initiative. “The arrival of Shell-branded fuel stations is a milestone for Sri Lanka, providing reliable fuel distribution options in a country that has experienced shortages. With RM Parks Inc., a California-based company, leading the distribution, this partnership showcases American business addressing global energy challenges. This initiative will create jobs, stabilize fuel availability, and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery,” she stated.

Flavia Ribeiro Pessanha, GM Licensed Markets, Shell Mobility, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, noting, “This is just the beginning. Many more Shell-branded stations will be launched in the coming months and years. Around the world, 33 million drivers visit Shell stations daily, and we are excited to bring the same high-quality fuels, customer experience, and service standards to Sri Lanka.”

The introduction of Shell-branded fuel stations in Sri Lanka is expected to improve fuel accessibility and service quality while fostering economic stability through job creation and investment in the country’s energy infrastructure. As RM Parks and Tristar continue their expansion, Sri Lankan consumers can anticipate enhanced fuel retail services nationwide.