Shell Celebrates 120 Years as Mauritius’s First Oil Company

Vivo Energy, the company that operates the Shell brand in Mauritius, has marked the 120th anniversary of its presence on the island, celebrating its history as the nation’s first oil company. The milestone was commemorated at a special event held at the Château de Labourdonnais last week, attended by top executives and government officials.

A Historic Milestone

The celebration saw the attendance of several key figures, including Michael Sik Yuen, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection, and senior executives from the Vivo Energy Group.

Among those present were Stan Mittelman, CEO, and Fouad Khfifi, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Mauritius.

The company’s history in Mauritius began on 6 August 1903, when the vessel S.S. Turbo arrived with the island’s first shipment of 23 tonnes of kerosene from Singapore.

This historic delivery established Shell as the first oil company to operate in the country. Years later, Shell expanded its operations by opening its first petrol station in 1956, located at Place de l’Immigration in Port-Louis.

Enduring Legacy and Future

Fouad Khfifi highlighted the significance of the anniversary, stating that it “reflects the commitment of the Shell brand and its closeness to customers.”

He noted that Shell now operates the largest distribution network on the island, with 52 stations.

Echoing this sentiment, Stan Mittelman, CEO of Vivo Energy, expressed his pride in the company’s long-standing relationship with the Mauritian people.

He said, “Few brands, in reality, can boast such longevity and even fewer can claim such a close relationship with their customers.”

In recognition of the milestone, Shell petrol stations across the island were decorated with the theme “Shell, 120 years by your side.”

Source: Le Mauricien