In Tanzania’s competitive fuel retail market, seamless payments play an important role in customer satisfaction and business success. At Puma Petrol Station Africana in Mbezi Beach, Station Manager Sheila Kawa shares how efficient payment solutions have been a game-changer for operations and customer loyalty.
Puma Energy is a global energy leader headquartered in Singapore, with a strong presence in Tanzania. Operating in key economic hubs such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, Puma Energy’s petrol stations are strategically located in high-traffic urban centers and along major highways. Beyond fuel, many of their stations feature Select Shop convenience stores and Puma Deli Shops, offering food and beverage services to enhance the customer experience.
Puma Petrol Station Africana, Mbezi Beach
With six years of experience in the industry, Sheila Kawa oversees daily operations at the station. Her day begins with inspecting the forecourt, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and clearing the cars that had been parked overnight. She then checks wet stock levels, to ascertain that she has enough fuel to last the day. Lastly but most critical, is stock and financial reconciliation after which she then closes the books in readiness for the day. For Sheila, a successful day means strong sales and high revenue. However, challenges like fuel shortages from the depot or payment disruptions can negatively impact operations.
In a market where new petrol stations are constantly emerging, Sheila remarks that Puma stands out due to trusted brand reputation, consistent fuel availability, assurance of high-quality products on the forecourt and great customer service. Yet, payment convenience has become a key differentiator. As Sheila explains: “The fuel retail market is highly competitive. Customers look for stations that are keeping with the times - offering digital payment modes. A lot of our customers at Puma Africana want to swipe to pay.”
The Shift to Digital Payments
Dar es Salaam, as a metropolitan hub, has seen a shift toward digital transactions. Sheila notes that more customers prefer card payments over cash. She adds that a single, multi-card POS machine is essential; customers want flexibility to pay with any card, not just specific bank cards. Additionally, for the business, cost efficiency matters — high transaction fees can eat into profits, making affordable payment solutions crucial. Smooth payments at the station have led to increased customer satisfaction and has kept customers keep coming back.
Sheila emphasizes: “Convenience for the customer is key. If payments are slow or unreliable, we lose business. That’s why choosing the right payment provider, one that offers affordability, reliability, and multiple options is important.”
At Puma Petrol Station Africana, seamless payment processing isn’t just a convenience; it’s a strategic advantage. As Tanzania’s fuel retail market grows more competitive, stations that prioritize fast, secure, and cost-effective payment solutions will continue to thrive.
For Puma Energy, investing in the right technology ensures customer loyalty, operational efficiency, and sustained growth, proving that in the fuel business, smooth payments keep the wheels turning.
