BHPetrol to expand retail network

Boustead Petroleum Malaysia Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) is expanding its network of petrol stations and stepping up its loyalty program to secure repeat customers. James Khoo, retail business general manager, said the company is targeting to increase the number of members in its loyalty card program — BHPetrol ecard — by 20% to 240,000 by the end of 2007, from 200,000 now. “Unlike other loyalty programs, we also have a special redemption at year-end during the festive season when people want things like soft drinks and tidbits,” he added. “Depending on the location, it will cost about RM5 million to RM10 million (US$1.36-2.72 million) to open a petrol station,” he said, adding the company would set up more outlets along highways where its presence was lacking. (October 12, 2006)