Irish-owned independent fuel supplier GreatGas has signed six forecourts to its network. The deals, which GreatGas said were worth more than 15m euros, or £11.9m, means 50 forecourts in Ireland are now supplied by the company. The six new

signings by the Co Cork-based company will be fully branded as GreatGas. They are: Castletownbere Service Station, Castletownbere, Co Cork; Ryan’s Shop & Forecourt, Rosscarbery, Co Cork; Liddy’s Service Station, Kinvara, Co Galway; Gilbride’s Service Station, Emyvale, Co Monaghan; GreatGas Service Station, Mountrath, Co Laois; and Lambert’s Service Station, Camolin, Co Wexford.

Ray O’Sullivan, GreatGas managing director, said the six new forecourt openings were a clear signal that Irish forecourt owners were ready for change. He added: “GreatGas offers independent, family-run forecourts the chance to buy their fuel at competitive prices, maintain a strong margin for themselves and still have the back up of a strong and distinctive national brand.

“We also offer a simple short-term contract to members and this is a major selling point as most other suppliers will only offer long term, solus type contracts which are often very restrictive. In addition, GreatGas has a proven record in increasing its customers’ fuel and retail turnover. Forecourt owners who have re-branded with GreatGas have seen an average of a 22% increase in shop turnover. Some outlets have increased fuel turnover by as much as 195%. We are confident that these new forecourts will achieve similar success in the coming months.”

O’Sullivan said the company, which is operated by Great Gas Petroluem (Ireland) Plc, aimed to be supplying 100 forecourts by 2010 - and it was well on its way to meeting the target.