Trinidad’s fuel distributor navigates geopolitical tensions and volatile pricing to grow earnings and expand regional operations.
Paria Fuel Trading Co Ltd increased its annual profit to $203.9 million in the year ended September 30, 2025, up from $192.6 million the previous year, according to Trinidad Express. The company’s growth came despite a market environment characterised by falling refined-product prices and significant global headwinds.
Interim chairman Kent Samlal attributed the company’s performance to disciplined cash management and an unwavering focus on customer service and supply reliability. He noted that market conditions were shaped by geopolitical tensions, including the Israel-Iran conflict and ongoing realignments linked to the Russia-Ukraine war. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding refinery closures and new capacity developments contributed to elevated refined product rack spreads during the period.
Paria generated revenue of $11.8 billion during the fiscal year, supported by increased sales volumes in the regional market. While lower pricing affected overall revenue, a competitive international environment contributed to stronger margins. The company’s EBITDA rose to $522.1 million from $515.1 million in the previous year, a 1.4% increase that underscores operational resilience.
The company supplied 7.4 million barrels to the local market, representing 41.6% of total sales of 17.8 million barrels. Notably, Paria expanded its regional and bunker business lines, recording sales of 10.3 million barrels, up from 8.5 million barrels in 2024. The company also continued to provide logistics support for crude exports by Heritage Petroleum Co Ltd, managing a port throughput of 49.9 million barrels, of which 13.6 million barrels (27.3%) was crude oil from Heritage.
Paria allocated $57.8 million to capital projects in 2025, focusing on restoring storage tanks, pipelines, and upgrading safety and emergency response systems. The company declared and paid a dividend of $70.2 million. Looking ahead, Samlal said the board will continue to focus on cost optimisation and business efficiency while pursuing targeted marketing initiatives, including expansion of bunkering operations and development of renewable and low-carbon projects.
Paria Fuel Trading Co Ltd is a key fuel distribution company in Trinidad and Tobago, serving both local and regional markets. The company operates critical infrastructure including port facilities and manages the logistics of crude oil exports for domestic producers like Heritage Petroleum Co Ltd.
As a major fuel distributor serving Caribbean regional markets, Paria’s performance reflects broader energy sector dynamics affecting the Caribbean. The company’s expansion of regional and bunker business lines demonstrates growing commercial activity across Caribbean ports, while its role in managing crude exports underscores the region’s continued dependence on petroleum trade.
Written & Edited by Orlyn Edwards. Published by Caribbean Air Force Media.
Category: Business · Island routing: Trinidad & Tobago