Due to the rise in cases of COVID-19 positive patients an island wide curfew was imposed on the 20^th of March 2020. Amidst the turbulent operating environment, it was evident that a disruption to an essential service such as gas was not encouraging. Therefore the Management of LAUGFS Gas devised a plan to meet the needs of their customers using multiple approaches, ensuring that the entire market was covered.

Within 12 hours of the announcement of the island wide curfew, LAUGFS Gas executed a remote operational model to ensure business continuity. This plan ensured that the total staff carder of approximately 250 were deployed to support various aspects of the business. Keeping in mind the restrictions in accessibility, the foremost task was to launch a web page to facilitate customer orders with online credit card payments. In order to assist all customers queries on their hotline 0114 427427 an additional 50 agents were allocated to strengthen the call centre operations.

More than 100 vehicles were deployed by obtaining special approvals to deliver cylinders to customers and the stocks of the island wide dealer network is consistently replenished to ensure that no stock out situations take place, for off the shelf purchases. They also introduced a ‘Mobile Gas Store’ concept, in order to capture customers that do not have the ability to call and pre-order. A mobile refill gas store travels around residential areas and customers are allowed to purchase their refills and new cylinders on location without placing the orders in advance.

To address the wave of panic buying LAUGFS Gas updated adequate stock levels throughout the islands and maintained a safety stock in identified sensitive markets. Moreover they have expanded product availability using the synergies of other subsidiaries at LAUGFS Group, such as, LAUGFS Petroleum 24Hr stations, Eco Sri Emission testing centres, LAUGFS Supermarkets and other avenues where customer accessibility  to purchase LPG  refills were improved.

Currently the team is focussed on expanding their LAUGFS Gas Home delivery network island wide; by providing the customer with the convenience of contacting one customer touch point via phone or web site to obtain their LPG refill orders.

“These are extenuating circumstances that we are operating in, however our primary objective is to ensure that despite the challenges we avoid a stock-out situation, and to reach and serve customers all around the country, using innovative methods. Moreover to minimise the negative economic impacts to our distributor and dealer network, through supporting them at this time.” Commented, Chaminda Ediriwickrama, Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAUGFS Gas PLC.

LAUGFS Gas PLC is a fast growing energy provider in Sri Lanka, operating across domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. Driven by a pioneering vision and an unyielding commitment to quality and service excellence, LAUGFS Gas powers the nation with trusted LPG solutions.

LAUGFS Holdings Limited is one of the largest diversified business conglomerates and a trusted and well-loved home grown business in Sri Lanka. Founded in 1995, LAUGFS today has expanded across 20 industries in Sri Lanka and overseas, establishing a strong presence as a leader and pioneer in the power and energy, retail, industrial, services, leisure and logistics sectors. With 4,000 employees and an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 54 billion, LAUGFS continues to expand and empower millions as a trusted Sri Lankan brand.