Couple expanding business

Business
Ipali Ltd managing director Shane Ipatas (right) and wife Sandon during the opening of Hohola Service Station in Port Moresby on Monday. Ipali Ltd will be operating the new Hohola Service Station.

By KELVIN JOE
A HUSBAND-wife team is expanding their business in the energy industry through the operation of their Hohola Service Station in Port Moresby.
Managing director of Ipali Ltd Shane Ipatas and wife Sandon Kikala, and their staff, were proud to see the reopening of the new-look service station after three months of refurbishment.
They joined the energy industry as gas resellers in 2018.
They are now the feeder fuel and gas distributor of Puma Energy, operating the Hohola station since January 2019.
Puma country general -manager Hulala Tokome, PNG retail manager Gideon Karali and employees witnessed the reopening by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop on Monday.
“We started off as a gas reseller in August, 2018, through our subsidiary company Panda Gas Distributer, slowly making our way up with Puma’s support,” Shane said.
In November 2018, they tried out fuel retailing at 9-Mile outside Port Moresby.
It was a new site and a high-risk investment, but they managed to sell maximum fuel for a year successfully.
“We (supplied the) highest volume at the site through God’s care and guidance,” Shane said.
“It is outside the city and is a high risk business in terms of customers and security.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop with Puma country general -manager Hulala Tokome during the re-opening of Hohola Service Station on Monday.

“Puma was impressed with us when we met the maximum target during a trial as a fuel retailer.”
But they had to shut it down when Puma pulled out after a dispute with the landlord.
In January 2019, they managed to secure a deal with Puma Energy to distribute fuel in Wabag, Enga.
“Then Puma gave us the opportunity again last September to run the Hohola Service Station,” Shane said.
“We had to close it for the upgrade in March this year.”

Puma Energy staff Mane Michael refuelling a vehicle at the Hohola Service Station in Port Moresby on Monday after its re-opening. – Nationalpics by KENNEDY BANI

The couple now employ more than 50 people.
“We employ only youths who are disciplined and have self-respect,” Shane said.
They ensure that employees meet the expectation of customers, distributor and supplier.