‘Listening to our customers has been a driving force behind our growth’ – Ruben Farrugia

EasyGas Malta Ltd started with a family board meeting back in late 2007. Today, as the company is set to celebrate its 15-year anniversary, it has grown into an undisputed success story and a major player in Malta’s LPG market. At its helm is Managing Director Ruben Farrugia, who firmly believes that EasyGas owes its success to a leadership style that prioritised perseverance, strategic partnerships and a relentless commitment to serving customers.

“The initial steps were challenging, with regulatory hurdles and establishing our supply chains, but every step was a learning experience. The fact that we’ve reached a 40 per cent share of the market in just 15 years is a testament to the dedication of our team and the strength of our vision, and the ever growing trust which our customers place on us,” Mr Farrugia says.

The company’s evolution under Mr Farrugia’s leadership was marked by several significant milestones.

“In December 2009 we began operations in the Maltese LPG market. Less than a year later, in March 2010, the merger with LP Gas Distribution gave us control of over 90 per cent of the bulk sector in Malta. In January 2011, we entered the LPG cylinders market, and by 2013, we had expanded our distribution fleet significantly. Another key milestone took place in 2020, when we secured an additional supplier, Cometra in Naples, ensuring the reliability and growth of our supply chain,” Mr Farrugia states.

Of course, like all leaders he also faced challenges. He describes navigating the regulatory landscape in Malta as one of the biggest ones, particularly in the early years.

“Establishing our first filling plant in 2012 required meticulous planning and coordination with multiple stakeholders. Another challenge was managing our rapid growth while ensuring quality and safety standards were upheld,” he continues.

But the challenges also come with plenty of highlights, such as the successful integration of LP Gas Dist. in 2010, and the subsequent expansion into the cylinders market.

“These were pivotal moments. Each achievement not only solidified our market position, but also allowed us to provide better services to our customers. The opening of our technical department in 2010, which underscored our commitment to innovation and service excellence, was another such milestone.”

Complementing these milestones are the insights that Mr Farrugia used to drive growth and expansion. His strategy, he explains, has always centred around strategic partnerships, continuous innovation, and a deep understanding of customers’ needs.

“From the beginning, aligning with reputable suppliers like Teknogas and later Cometra, ensured we had a stable supply chain. Investing in our infrastructure, such as the 2012 commissioning of our first filling plant, allowed us to scale efficiently. Moving forward, we plan to diversify our product offerings and explore renewable energy sources. Our goal is to expand our market share further while staying ahead of industry trends and ensuring sustainability in our operations,” he continues.

And, while the results reached in these 15 years speak for themselves, Mr Farrugia has no intention of sitting on his laurels. He firmly embraces the belief that staying competitive requires a proactive approach.

“We continually monitor market trends and regulatory changes to adapt our strategies accordingly. Innovation is key – we invest in new technologies and processes that enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with our suppliers ensures that we can offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Our commitment to safety and sustainability also sets us apart, as more customers are now prioritising companies that align with these values,” he adds.

As this highly-significant anniversary approaches, the key priorities for EasyGas remain firmly focused on solidifying market position, expanding service offerings, and furthering sustainability efforts.

“We’re focused on enhancing customer experiences by leveraging technology for better service delivery. We’re also looking at expanding into adjacent markets and exploring opportunities in renewable energy, aligning with global shifts towards greener alternatives. Internally, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement remains a top priority.”

Sustainability, he adds, has been integral to the leadership strategy. The company has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint, such as optimising distribution logistics to reduce emissions, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and exploring sustainable sourcing options for its LPG. The impact has been significant, with EasyGas recording lower carbon emissions, reduced operational costs, and a stronger alignment with our customers’ values.

“Our sustainability efforts have positioned us as a forward-thinking leader in the industry, attracting environmentally-conscious consumers. As part of our ESG commitment, we are also involved in various community initiatives, such as the upcoming Pink October campaign,” Farrugia says, adding that this is very close to their hearts.

“This year we’re partnering with The Marigold Foundation to raise awareness about breast cancer and support those affected by it. We’ll be organising events and making a donation for every cylinder we are going to sell during the month of October to support research and treatment. Our goal is to engage the community in meaningful ways and contribute to the well-being of our customers beyond our business operations. It’s part of our broader commitment to social responsibility and giving back to the community, while also leading by example,” he concludes.

This interview forms part of the Digital 50 Business Leaders project. These high-profile interviews are exclusively featured online at MaltaCEOs.mt, highlighting 50 distinguished conversations with business leaders, CEOs, and emerging entrepreneurial talents. Through these discussions, we aim to showcase the remarkable journeys, achievements, and successes of Malta’s business leaders.

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