An Examination of The Impact of Covid-19 On the Sales Performance of Petro Stations in Lira City

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and the Sales Performance of fuel Stations in Lira City. The study was guided by three objectives which were; to examine the COVID-19 restrictions in Lira City; to assess the level of sales performance of fuel Stations in Lira City and to analyzed the relationship between COVID-19 and Sales performance at fuel Stations in Lira City. The study assessed a population of 95 from which a sample of 76 respondents were gotten. From the 76 people, responses were gotten from 72 respondents only. The study applied a cross-sectional survey design where closed ended questionnaires were utilized to collect data and analyzed using SPSS in form of percentages.

The findings showed that a large majority agreed that COVID-19 restrictions like those instituted in Lira City were responsible for poor sales performance in fuel stations. COVID-19 measures agreed upon included; banning public gatherings, observing physical distance, banning travel and public transport, incoming and outgoing travel to specified COVID-19 affected countries was banned, suspension of public transport for 14 days and closure of Schools. The findings also showed that level of sales performance of the four fuel Stations in Lira City which included; VIVO Energy (U) Ltd –Shell, Total Lira, HASS Ojwina, Stabex International Limited-Ireda, Lira and Shire Petroleum Company Limited were presented with reduced sales volume and low demand for fuel. The findings on the relationship between COVID-19 measures and Sales performance at four studied fuel Stations in Lira City showed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.76, N=50, p < .001).

The study recommends management of the fuel stations in Lira City; to offer lower price rates during the low season in order to encourage sales; to utilize various sales strategies to market and promote their fuel products; to conduct market research to know the existing trend of competitors and to assess current customers’ needs and wants so as to serve customers accordingly.

Like any other research, this research is not exhaustive, therefore, further research is needed to research whether the results hold for other fuel stations in other Cities and districts. Other fuel stations might have similarities and therefore this research could also be applied in those fuel stations.