Dear Shareholders,
As we gather for the 30th Annual General Meeting of Confidence
Petroleum India Limited (CPIL), it is with immense pride that I present the achievements
of our company for the fiscal year 2023-24. This year stands as a significant milestone in
our journey, marked by robust financial and operational performance, reflecting our
unwavering commitment to creating substantial value for our shareholders.
Global Economy and LPG Industry Overview
The global economy in the fiscal year 2023-24 has been characterised by
a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. While inflationary pressures and
geopolitical tensions have posed significant headwinds, the resilience of industries
worldwide, including the energy sector, has been commendable. The LPG industry, in
particular, has seen a surge in demand driven by the global push towards cleaner energy
solutions. As countries accelerate their transition to sustainable energy sources, LPG
continues to play a critical role in the energy mix, offering a cleaner alternative to
traditional fossil fuels.
In India, the government's focus on increasing the share of natural gas
in the energy mix, coupled with initiatives to promote the use of LPG in rural and urban
households, has provided a strong impetus for growth in our sector. This favorable policy
environment, along with our strategic initiatives, has enabled CPIL to deliver its
best-ever performance this year.
Performance Highlights
In the fiscal year 2023-24, CPIL has achieved record market sales
across all our business segments. Our consolidated revenue reached ^ 2,698.47 crore,
marking a significant 22% (excluding other income) increase over the previous fiscal year.
This growth is a testament to our strategic initiatives and operational excellence. Our
Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at ^ 105.27 crore, reflecting a 25% increase from the
previous year, underscoring our strong profitability in a dynamic market environment.
Our EBITDA for the year was ^ 376.67 crore, increased by 66% supported
by effective cost management and process optimization, further demonstrating our
capability to deliver solid financial results. Earnings per share (EPS) improved to ^
3.50, showcasing our enhanced earnings capacity and commitment to shareholder value. In
recognition of these achievements, the Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend
of 10% for the year, aligning with our ongoing dedication to delivering consistent returns
to our valued shareholders.
Performance Review
This year has been remarkable in many aspects. In the LPG segment, we
maintained a strong performance, driven by customer-focused initiatives and a resilient
supply chain network. Our total sales in volume surged by 43.71%, highlighting our ability
to effectively capture market opportunities. We recorded our highest- ever sales volumes
across key segments, like Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS), Packed Cylinder Division
(PCD) and Bulk Sales. Our CNG retail segment in partnership with GAIL Gas India for
Bengaluru city also witnessed significant growth.
We have significantly expanded our infrastructure and market presence,
increasing our Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS) from 248 to 274* and our CNG stations
in Bangalore from 32 to 40*. Additionally, we grew our bottling plants from 66 to 68,
further solidifying our position across India. In a pioneering move within the LPG
segment, we commissioned 480 new LPG distributorships, bringing the total to 2300+ as of
today. Our "Gin Kar Lo, Gin Kar Do" initiative for the Packed LPG Division, a
first-of- its-kind in the industry, received an excellent response, significantly
increasing our sales volume in this segment.
Strategic Investments and Partnerships
This year, we successfully raised ^250 crore through a preferential
allotment to BW VLGC Pte Ltd. This strategic investment will bolster the expansion of our
Auto LPG, Packed Cylinder, and CNG retail segments, aligning with our broader vision to
lead the Indian LPG market.
Our partnership with BW LPG through a 50:50 joint venture naming BW
Confidence Enterprise Private limited has further strengthened our capabilities in LPG
infrastructure development and import optimization. The first project under this
collaboration is a new LPG terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Navi Mumbai. This
will enhance our capability of bringing VLGCs and improve the efficiency of our import
division.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that our subsidiary, Silversky
Exim Private Limited, is setting up a state-of-the-art Green Hydrogen/Nitrogen/CNG
high-pressure Type-4 Cylinder manufacturing unit in the 5 Star MIDC Butibori, Nagpur.
These Type-4 cylinders, made primarily from carbon composite with a polymer liner, are 70%
lighter than traditional metal cylinders and can transport three times more gas. They are
also corrosion-resistant, shatter-proof, and highly safe, making them future-ready for
various applications. This strategic move positions CPIL as a frontrunner in the green
hydrogen ecosystem, aligning with the Government of India's vision to enhance the share of
natural gas in the country's energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030.
People and Culture
The superior performance of your Company is driven by its dedicated
workforce of over 4500+ direct and indirect competent workforce committed to achieving
excellence. We uphold the principle of 'employee enablement,' empowering and equipping our
employees with the necessary resources, tools, support, and environment to perform their
roles effectively and efficiently. Our focus on continuous upskilling, providing resources
for both technical and soft skill development, ensures that our workforce remains
competitive and motivated to drive better business outcomes.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, CPIL is well-positioned to capitalize on the
vast potential of the Indian energy market. Our integrated business model, strategic
partnerships, and focus on innovation and sustainability will continue to drive our growth
trajectory. We remain committed to expanding our market presence, enhancing operational
efficiencies, and delivering sustainable energy solutions.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our shareholders for their unwavering
trust, to our employees for their dedication and resilience, and to all stakeholders for
their continuous support. Together, we will continue to build on our legacy and achieve
new milestones in the years to come.
Thank you. |
Warm regards, |
SHRI NITIN KHARA |
CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR |
CONFIDENCE PETROLEUM INDIA LIMITED |