Irish News
Continued from page 15
(l-r) Daniel Malone, Padraig Malone, Jim Keenan, Shane McKenna, Tony Cassidy and Lorraine Crosbie
Coping with change
“With so many other home heating options
available nowadays, the oil business is
definitely under a lot of pressure. There’s more
energy efficiency and greater insulation, with
boiler manufacturers changing to allow for this.
“The future is limited, and we will need to
diversify, keeping our eyes open to what the
future brings,” added Padraig.
Whilst Malone thankfully has loyal
customers, pricing is so very important. As is
the need to continue to facilitate delivery times
and provide good personal service with the
personal touch drawing customers back.
“Our drivers might bleed a boiler for a
customer if it’s run dry, for example,” he says.
“And we try to be competitive on price.”
One of the starkest changes noted since
starting in business is the fall in the number
of farmers. Where once we would meet ten
tractors, there might now only be two or three.
Another is the introduction of gas in towns
which has decreased oil usage.
Driving costs up, checks on vehicles
may be more stringent but, despite its
administrative burden Padraig believes the
Return of Oil Movement submission to Revenue
has brought positive change to the industry.
Reporting less washing of diesel around than
four or five years ago, Padraig said that being
close to the border in Louth, does still mean
people cross over to avail themselves of
cheaper kerosene.
Equipped with a new depot, the Malone
team is ready for what the future holds and
willing to tackle anything that comes its way!
IF YOUR COMPANY HAS SOMETHING
TO CELEBRATE, PLEASE CONTACT IRISH
CORRESPONDENT AINE FAHERTY
(see pg 3)
T: 01646 663300
E: [email protected]
Milford Haven / Belfast / Westerleigh /
Theale / Immingham / Newport /
Glasgow / London
16 Fuel Oil News | December 2019