ATB spends 2.5 million hryvnias daily on diesel during power outages
During power outages, large retail chains like ATB are forced to spend millions of hryvnias to keep their stores operational. The company uses about 30,000 liters of diesel fuel daily, which amounts to 2.5 million hryvnias in daily expenses.
This is reported by AgroReview
Diesel and Generator Operating Costs
ATB’s CEO, Boris Markov, reported that to ensure stable store operations during blackouts, the company purchases significant volumes of diesel fuel every day. This necessity arises from the need to power refrigeration equipment, cash registers, and other critically important systems. Fuel costs have reached record levels, and this amount is essentially “burned” daily to ensure customer comfort and product preservation.
In addition to direct fuel costs, the company faces additional challenges related to the maintenance of diesel generators. Continuous operation at maximum capacity leads to faster wear and tear on the equipment, and regular maintenance and repairs become another expense for retailers. However, there are no alternatives to ensure uninterrupted store operations, especially during frequent power outages.
“To keep the stores running during blackouts, the company spends about 30,000 liters of diesel fuel per day. If we translate this into money, it amounts to 2.5 million hryvnias daily.”
Challenges for Business and the Economy
The situation with ATB’s expenses reflects the broader context in which Ukrainian businesses currently operate. Funds that could be directed towards investments or development are being spent on urgent needs. The logistics of supplying fuel to all corners of the country, especially during crisis moments, require significant effort and coordination.
It is worth noting that the use of powerful diesel generators ranging from 50 to 150 kW has become standard practice for large supermarkets during outages. Business owners emphasize that the cost of electricity generated by these generators is 3 to 5 times higher than the rates for centralized electricity supply for industrial enterprises.
Despite the financial burden, timely decisions regarding the purchase and installation of generators have allowed the chain to continue operations even during the most challenging periods. Each open retail point during blackouts is a guarantee of stability for customers and a victory over circumstances, despite the significant price that businesses have to pay.
Note: The ATB chain is the largest retailer in Ukraine, comprising over a thousand stores in various regions. During power outages, the use of industrial diesel generators has become a common practice to ensure the uninterrupted operation of retail points.