MATERIAL ESG TOPICS / SOCIETY

Market

  • 28,510 quality checks
    on EKO lubricants

  • 15 market surveys

  • 94,176 qualitative analyses
    on 8,489 fuel samples and quantitative delivery accuracy checks on 7,024 fuel station pump nozzles

  • 4,246 quality checks
    on aviation fuels

Market

The HELLENIC PETROLEUM Group produces and sells high-quality products, which meet the needs of all domestic customers in fuels for industry, transport, shipping, aviation, etc., and are available in retail and wholesale in the domestic and international markets, while fully responding to evolving engine technologies and the changing European legislative framework.

Quality and Safety of
Products and Services

The Group’s aim is to earn the trust of its customers in every fill up, which is achieved by applying strict operating standards in all its facilities and fuel stations and by ensuring product quality. It carries out continuous quality controls throughout the supply chain, from the refinery to the point of delivery to the customer.

The Group respects the legislative framework and complies with all European Regulations on chemical safety (e.g. REACH, CLP). For this reason, it conducts all physico-chemical analyses of products in accredited chemical laboratories, while implementing a certified Quality Management System.

Product Quality

All products of the refineries of the HELLENIC PETROLEUM Group (LPG, gasoline, petrol, kerosene, mazut, bitumen) meet the specifications of the National and European Legislation. In accordance with the Group’s Quality Policy:

  • Detailed and continuous laboratory controls at all stages of production, from the receipt of the raw material (crude oil) to the final storage of the products in the fuel tanks, take place in the ISO17025 certified chemical laboratories of the Group’s industrial facilities. The Group’s industrial facilities are certified according to ISO9001:2015.
  • At EKO’s fuel storage and handling facilities, quality controls are continuous at all stages of operation, from the receipt of fuel from the refinery to delivery to the customer. Chemical analyses are carried out in the chemistry department of each facility. All EKO’s fuel storage and handling facilities are certified for Quality Management in accordance with ISO9001:2015. The scope of the Quality Management System includes the receipt, storage, quality control of fuels, handling and delivery to customers (service stations, industry, aviation, shipping) of liquid fuels.
  • The self-managed KALYPSO fuel stations are also certified for Quality Management according to ISO9001:2015.

Therefore, for the release of the Group’s products, evidence of compliance with the specified acceptance criteria is maintained. The release of products to the customer is not executed until the compliance of the product is verified, through audits, at all stages of the supply chain.

According to consumer surveys, fuel quality is considered to be the most important criterion for the choice of fuel supply. The EKO GUARANTEE program is the first comprehensive program to control fuel quality and quantity through continuous checks, from the refinery to the customer’s  fuel tank. Through the program, it is also possible for the customer to carry out fuel quality testing on-site , through spot test kits available at the fuel stations.

EKO SA continues its cooperation with the Laboratory of Fuel and Lubricant Technology of the NTUA, for the qualitative and quantitative control of stations’ fuels. The qualitative and quantitative tests of EKO’s own Mobile Laboratory Units are part of the EKO GUARANTEE program. Two mobile laboratory units, staffed with NTUA analysts, carry out unannounced on-site qualitative and quantitative checks at EKO fuel stations. At the same time, fuel samples are taken at each check and further tested at the NTUA Fuel and Lubricants Technology Laboratory. Quantitative fuel measurements are carried out with certified volumetric containers.  The quantitative check is followed by sealing the service station pumps with a quality assurance tape. More information regarding the EKO GUARANTEE program is available on the relevant website.

Similarly, in the bp branded fuel stations, under the Petrol Station Control Program in cooperation with the NTUA, unannounced quality and quantity checks are carried out through two Mobile Laboratory Units equipped with NTUA analysts, while further quality checks on samples taken from the fuel stations are carried out at the NTUA’s Laboratory of Fuel and Lubricant Technology.

In 2021, EKO SA in cooperation with NTUA carried out a total of 94,176 quality analyses on 8,489 fuel samples and quantitative delivery accuracy checks on 7,024 fuel station pump nozzles.

EKO applies documented procedures regarding customer communication, which includes, among
other things, providing information about its products and/or services. The call center for handling customers’ requests and complaints, provides customer service in a timely and friendly manner, and serves as the link between the customer and the Corporate Directorates. The aim of its operation is to respond immediately to the needs of customers and provide them with the best possible service. In 2021, 87 customer requests were answered regarding the stations’ fuel specifications and 11 customer requests regarding lubricant specifications. EKO has also established and implements documented actions with regard to the management of customer complaints to ensure that all complaints reported are:

  • Registered and forwarded to the relevant Group experts
  • Assessed for severity, safety, complexity, impact and the need for immediate corrective action
  • Investigated in order to identify the root cause
  • Resolved (and the customer is informed of how they were resolved)
  • Documented in relevant records
  • Reviewed in order to draw conclusions leading to appropriate preventive and corrective actions

The complaints are used to collect information on the degree of customer satisfaction, so that they can be utilised for the continuous improvement of the products and services provided, as well as for the evaluation and refinement of the processes of the Quality Management System that EKO applies in all its activities.

In 2021, a total of 271 reports of products not complying with quality requirements were investigated. 263 were related to fuels and 8 to EKO lubricants. As part of the investigations, 1,869 fuel samples were analysed and 7,476 physico-chemical analyses were carried out in accredited chemical laboratories. The percentage of off-specification fuel samples was 8.7%, while the corresponding figure for lubricants was 12.5%. All the required corrective actions were implemented immediately. No significant non-compliances were recorded.

Quality in LPG

E-Gas LPG cylinders incorporate the strictest safety standards with the guarantee of EKO’s expertise. EKO’s LPG storage, handling and bottling facilities are certified for Quality Management in accordance with ISO9001:2015. The scope of the Quality Management System includes the collection, storage, bottling and distribution of LPG. LPG has been included in the EKO GUARANTEE program, which also involves the inspection and sealing of LPG pumps at the fuel stations.

Aviation Fuel and Lubricant Quality

EKO supplies JET Aviation Fuels of two civil and military aviation specifications (JET-A1 & JP-8) to 23 airports in the Greek territory. In most cases the main product is JET-A1, which complies with the latest Aviation Fuel Quality Requirements for Jointly Operated Systems (AFQRJOS) of the Joint Inspection Group (JIG). These requirements include the more stringent specifications of Defense Standard 91/91 and ASTM D-1655. JET fuels are specialized products produced under strict and controlled specifications and procedures. In 2021, 4,246 aviation fuel analyses were conducted at EKO’s Chemistry Department.

EKO’s Chemistry Department at the Skaramanga facility, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and is distinguished by its high performance in international interlaboratory tests. It carries out quality control of lubricants and aviation fuels. In particular, all EKO’s Aircraft Refuelling Stations are certified for
Quality Management in accordance with ISO9001:2015.

Similarly, EKO lubricants are produced from high quality raw materials and cover a wide range of lubrication applications, from the simplest to the most demanding ones. The quality of EKO lubricants is ensured at all critical stages of production, with continuous controls that certify the lubricants’ compliance with design specifications. EKO’s Lubricants Production Unit implements a certified Quality Management System, in accordance with ISO9001:2015. In 2021, 28,510 lubricant analyses were carried out at EKO’s Chemistry Department.

Responsible Product Management

A certified Quality, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Management System is implemented at all Group facilities, for undestanding the needs and expectations of all stakeholders, as well as for continuous improvement.

The Group has integrated the concept of Responsible Product Management – an approach to managing the impact of products throughout their life cycle – into its Management Systems, to achieve the sustainability goals set by the Group, as well as those set by its suppliers, distributors and customers. Respecting the fundamental principle of the European REACH /CLP Regulations for the protection of humans and the environment, with strict adherence to the criteria for the effective management of chemicals, the Group has aligned its activities with the requirements of the Regulations:

  • It cooperates with other industrial partners in the REACH Consortia and international organisations for the successful completion of all phases of the REACH Regulation (registration, evaluation, authorisation) with strict adherence to the European competition rules.
  • It carries out reviews of registration dossiers in accordance with Article 22 of REACH and EU Regulation 2020/1435 or if required through decisions of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
  • The product Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are always up-to-date, in full compliance with the REACH and CLP Regulations. For the safe use of products, the risk management measures included in the human and environmental exposure scenarios in the annexes of the SDS are implemented, encouraging downstream users to apply the corresponding proposed measures for their own uses.
  • It complies with the obligation in Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation on the reporting of aligned information relating to the response to health emergencies used by the poison control centres of the EU-27 countries where the products are placed on the market.

The Group’s facilities apply best operating practices for the safe handling of products, with respect for the environment. This entails the application of strict waste management procedures in all phases of operation, covering storage, processing, recycling, recovery and disposal of waste at the end of the product life cycle.

Biofuel Sustainability System

Since 2016, EKO has been implementing a Certified Biofuels Sustainability Management System (BFS), according to the 2BS-STD-02 standard. The System is applied for the management of the company’s motor fuels available in the domestic market and containing biofuels (biodiesel motor diesel and gasoline with bioethanol) and covers all activities of the supply chain (fuel purchases, storage, distribution). The objective of the System is to ensure the availability of sustainable biofuels and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with emission savings of more than 50%. For the year 2021 the average achieved GHG emission savings were 64.1% from the use of biodiesel in diesel, while from the use of bioethanol in gasoline the savings achieved were 67.9% from UNL95, 71.2% from UNL98 and 69% from UNL100.

Energy Efficiency Improvement

The Company is working to improve the energy efficiency of its products and raise awareness among end-use energy consumers to save on final energy consumption. To this end, the Company:

  • Offers differentiated motor fuels (gasolines and diesel) on the market using high-tech additives, with the aim of assuring the end consumer of the reduction of their vehicle’s fuel consumption. High energy efficiency lubricants are also being promoted under the same objective. In addition, the company promotes the use of LPG as an ecological and economical solution.
  • Plans consumer awareness actions, such as providing eco-driving advice and tips for the rational use of heating oil, on the company’s social media or by distributing brochures. The aim of those actions is to raise awareness about driving behaviour (e.g. avoiding sudden acceleration, removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle, etc.) and the correct use of heating oil (e.g. setting the thermostat at 20°C, regular maintenance of the burner, etc.), so that less fuel is consumed for the same purpose and with the same result.
Customer service at fuel stations

With a particular emphasis on providing a positive customer experience at the fuel stations, the Group has put in place a number of programs and initiatives to better serve its customers and respond to their needs. More specifically, the following actions are in place:

  • Secret Visitor Program: Thorough monitoring of service at the petrol station and compliance with operating standards. In particular, following the selection of the secret visitors, 60 points in 7 areas of the service station (forecourt and equipment, service, security, shop, uniforms, toilets, promotional activities) are checked. A total of 5,940 visits to fuel stations were carried out in 2021 through the secret visitor program. Each fuel station received a visit from the secret visitor 4 to 12 times per year. The results of the visits are posted monthly on an electronic platform, which is accessible to all sales executives, so that it is possible to monitor the progress made by each fuel station over time, as well as various other indicators useful for the improvement and development of the network’s services.
  • Market surveys for better customer service: In order to evaluate the Group’s customers satisfaction, a total of 15 qualitative and quantitative market surveys were conducted in 2021, covering the four main categories: 2 market surveys on the importance of the EKO and bp brands, 12 surveys on the performance of employees at fuel stations, and 1 survey on the development and design of new products.
  • “Everyday, brighter” at bp petrol stations: The “Everyday, brighter” campaign launched by the Group in November 2019, which aims to re-evaluate the refuelling experience and transform it from an obligation into a pleasant experience, “brightening up” the interaction with each customer, continues. This is achieved through well-lit Bright Green Beacon fuel stations, easy access, cleanliness in all areas of the station, exemplary service from employees, excellent fuel quality, safety during refuelling and transactions, as well as the provision of additional special services such as::
    • Free WiFi in the shop area
    • Special pet storage hook and a special “pet corner” area
    • Free 12-point check for cars and motorcycles, including a full visual inspection of key points (tyre pressure, light operation, brakes)
  • Νew premium 98 octane petrol in selected EKO fuel stations: In April 2021, the new EKO Premium 98 octane petrol was launched, aiming to provide a comprehensive offer to the Group’s customers, with differentiated products, in response to the modern needs of consumers and their shift towards premium products, while penetrating a dynamic market, such as that of “premium 98 octane”
  • Apps for smartphones: The free EKO app and mybp app enable the user to purchase fuel at selected fuel stations using a credit/debit card and fleet card. The user can also be informed about products, services and offers at the nearest fuel stations. In addition, in the EKO app they can check the quality and origin of their fuel (EKO Guarantee), order heating oil electronically, and access the special “My Garage” section for storing useful information regarding their vehicle, with the possibility of scheduling to receive relevant reminders, such as the next check/ MOT test, insurance policy renewal, etc.
  • Continuous 24-hour customer service: For better service and responsiveness to customer needs, a 24-hour service hotline is in operation (211-1818031 for bp fuel stations, 211-1818050 for EKO fuel stations). Incoming call handling has been assigned to specially trained ICAP personnel and the requests are forwarded to those employees responsible for resolving/responding to the matter.

Call Statistics for EKO & bp 2020 Fuel Station Contact Lines

  • bp fuel stations:
    310 incoming calls
    of which
    93 calls
    were forwarded to the appropriate personnel to contact the costumers within 24 hours, in order to provide immediate solution to their requests.
  • ΕΚΟ fuel stations:
    4,469 calls
    of which
    1,315 calls
    were forwarded to the appropriate personnel to contact the costumers within 24 hours, in order to provide immediate solution to their requests.

Training Program at the fuel stations

2019 2020 2021 2022 (target)
Average man-hours of training per trainee (managers,
operators and employees)*
2.65 2.77 2.17 2.21

*Does not include training in Health, Safety and Environmental issues.

Accessibility of Products
and Services

The HELLENIC PETROLEUM Group offers innovative, high-quality products with a competitive value-for- money indicator in a wide network of fuel stations with full geographical coverage. Its products are also available to commercial customers, industry and resellers. EKO SA has eight liquid fuel storage and distribution facilities throughout Greece and two LPG storage, distribution and bottling facilities in the prefectures of Thessaloniki and Attica. It also has one LPG storage and distribution facility in the prefecture of Rethymnon.

Through its subsidiaries, the Group is active in the markets of Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and the Republic of North Macedonia. In parallel, exports are directed to all the significant markets in SE Europe. The Group’s marketing company has a strong presence in the Greek market through the EKO and bp brands.

Main brands of the EKO & bp fuel station network

ΕΚΟ BRANDS bp BRANDS
95 EKONOMY bp Ultimate Unleaded 100 with ACTIVE technology
EKO Premium 98 bp Super Unleaded 98 with ACTIVE technology
DIESEL EKONOMY bp Unleaded 95 with ACTIVE technology
ΕΚΟ Racing 100 bp Ultimate Diesel with ACTIVE technology
Diesel AVIO Double Filtered bp Diesel with ACTIVE technology
ΕΚΟ Heating Oil bp Autogas
ΕΚΟ Lubricants bp Heating Oil
Egas Easy

 

In Greece, the Group has a network of 1,682 fuel stations, while abroad it has 314 fuel stations. The table below presents the “product mix” in 2021, in the domestic and international markets where the Group’s subsidiaries are active.

  • 1,682

    fuel stations in Greece

  • 314

    fuel stations abroad

Percentage of Sales per product in each group company

SCROLL to the right to view all data

Products ΕΚΟ
GREECE
bp
GREECE
ΕΚΟ SERBIA ΟΚΤΑ
REPUBLIC
OF NORTH
MACEDONIA
EKO BULGARIA ΗΡ CYPRUS JUGOPETROL
MONTENEGRO
Unleaded gasoline
95 octane
12.61% 33.11% 17.13% 11% 16.92% 31.07% 9.17%
Unleaded gasoline
98 octane
0.55% 1.85% 2.31% 1.5% 2.87% 1.92%
Unleaded gasoline
100 octane
1.19% 3.25% 4.01% 1.97% 0.28%
Automotive diesel 27.12% 39.99% 69.91% 65.5% 45.72% 36.55% 72.98%
Heating diesel 7.23% 17.02% 4.1% 7.39% 7.38%
Bunkering
fuel oil
5.69% 2.68%
Lubricants 0.65% 0.15% 0.15% 0.02% 0.39% 0.21%
Kerosene 0.06% 0 1.14%
Mazout
(fuel oil)
26.45% 1.76% 9.2% 5.68%
Bitumen 1.92% 0.87% 0.17% 0.6% 20.98% 0.0%
LPG 2.76% 2% 5.91% 3.6% 12.77% 8.26% 0.86%
Jet A1 13.78% 4.5% 0% 3.69% 7.48%
Polypropylene 0.41% 1.30%
Other
(methane)
0.32%

Hellenic Fuels & Lubricants

The Group’s marketing company, with a strong presence in the Greek market through the EKO and bp brands, is active in retail and wholesale sales.

The total volume of sales is allocated as follows:

HELLENIC PETROLEUM CYPRUS

Fuel marketing company, which supplies the Cypriot market (consumers and businesses) with EKO products (fuels and lubricants). The total volume of sales is allocated as follows: Retail sales (via 97 fuel stations) 63.57%, commercial and industrial customers 14.2%, other oil companies (fuel stations) 7.48%, LPG customers 11.31%, international customers 3.14% (bunkering fuel oil 1.38% and aviation fuel 1.76%), and lubricants 0.30%.

EKO SERBIA

Its network consists of 56 fuel stations (Company Owned Managed Operated) covering 5.9% of local needs and comprising 3.75% of the domestic market based on the number of fuel stations. Total volume of sales is divided between wholesale (18%) and retail (82%).

OKTA

It covers approximately 61% of the fuel market in the Republic of North Macedonia. In addition, thanks to its significant storage capacity, it operates as a safety mechanism for uninterrupted fuel supply in the markets in which it is active (mainly the Republic of North Macedonia and Kosovo, as well as Serbia, Montenegro and Albania). At the same time, it is a major exporter and employer in services related to transportation, logistics and maintenance. Through its network of 27 fuel stations, it covers 8% of the local retail market in terms of the number of fuel stations, while its market share, in terms of volume of sales in retail trade, stands at approximately 13%.

EKO BULGARIA

Its fuel station network covers 90% of the country geographically, in the retail market, while the company covers 100% of the country in wholesale market respectively. Its retail market share is 5.8% (91 fuel stations). All fuel stations are Company Owned Managed Operated. Total volume of sales is divided between wholesale (18%) and retail (82%).

JUGOPETROL

It has a 38% share of the retail market and a 39% share in terms of number of fuel stations in Montenegro. Its network includes 44 fuel stations, 3 yacht service stations, 1 fuel facility in Bar and 2 aviation fuel facilities in Tivat and Podgorica.

DIAXON

It is mainly active in the production and marketing of polypropylene film via the “biaxial stretching” method (BOPP FILM). 27% of the production is exported.

DIAXON Sales per Film Category

Kalypso Self-Operated Fuel Stations Program

Year 2019 2020 2021 2022
(Target)
Number of Kalypso
self-operated fuel stations

238

125 EKO
113 BP

232

121 EKO
111 BP

229

119 EKO
110 BP

224

120 EKO
104 BP

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