Coral Croatia d.o.o. is a significant player in the Croatian petroleum products market, known as the licensed representative of Shell fuels. Since entering the Croatian market in 2021, the company has quickly established itself in fuel supply and services, drawing on the global strength of the Shell brand and the experience of its parent company Coral S.A. from Greece, formerly known as Shell Hellas, which has been operating since 1926
Coral’s history: beginnings and development
Coral Croatia d.o.o. started operating in Croatia by acquiring the Croatian fuel distributor Apios in 2021, taking a 75% stake in the company and replacing the Apios brand with Shell. This strategic acquisition marked the entry of the Shell brand into the Croatian market under the management of Coral Croatia, backed by the long experience of the parent company Coral S.A.
Key moments in its history:
- 2021: Coral Croatia acquires Apios and opens the first two Shell petrol stations in Croatia, in Sesvete (Zagrebačka 162) and Rugvica (Dugoselska ulica 1).
- 2021: receives the AAA Gold Certificate of creditworthiness excellence, confirming the high quality of its business by European standards.
- 2024: the company generates revenue of €220.21 million and employs 39 people, with an A+ credit rating.
Coral Croatia d.o.o. is an affiliate of Coral S.A., which operates around 750 Shell petrol stations in Greece, with a market share of over 23% and a leading position on the Greek market.
Business activities and offer
Coral Croatia is mainly engaged in the retail sale of petroleum products and lubricants, with an emphasis on Shell’s premium fuels such as Shell V-Power 100 (Racing) and Shell V-Power Diesel. Besides fuel, the company offers a wide range of products and services at its petrol stations, including:
- Shell Helix lubricants: premium oils for vehicles.
- Shops and cafés: extra services for drivers’ convenience, such as refreshments and car care products.
- Quality and innovation: using Shell’s advanced technologies and global know-how to ensure high standards.
Financial results and creditworthiness
According to data for 2024, Coral Croatia generated total revenue of €220.21 million, with EBIT of €6.76 million and EBITDA of €10.74 million. The company employs 39 people, with an average gross salary of €2,747.77 per month. An A+ credit rating for 2025 places Coral Croatia among the reliable partners in the industry, while the AAA certificate for 2021 confirmed its business excellence by Dun & Bradstreet standards.
Competition on the Croatian market
As Shell’s partner, Coral Croatia faces strong competition on the Croatian market, which is dominated by companies such as:
- INA: the largest player, with 396 petrol stations and a long tradition.
- Petrol: a Slovenian company with a growing market share of around 23% after acquiring Crodux.
- Tifon: an innovative MOL-owned competitor focused on electric vehicles.
- Lukoil: a Russian distributor known for competitive prices.
Despite the competition, Coral Croatia stands out thanks to the global reputation of the Shell brand, premium fuels and high service standards.
International connections and vision
Coral Croatia is part of the wider Coral group network, which besides Croatia also operates in Greece, Serbia and Cyprus. The parent company Coral S.A., part of the Motor Oil Hellas group, brings extensive experience and resources that enable expansion and innovation. The company’s vision is to become customers’ first choice in Croatia, with an emphasis on sustainable development, safety and environmental protection.
The company is actively expanding its network of petrol stations. After rebranding the Apios stations, it launched an investment cycle ― for example, opening a flagship Shell station in Ivanja Reka.
Sustainability initiatives
In line with Shell’s global principles, Coral Croatia is committed to socially responsible business.
The focus is on:
- Reducing emissions through advanced fuels: Shell V-Power fuels with DYNAFLEX technology reduce emissions by up to 20%. They support Shell’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Petrol vapour recovery: a vapour recovery system at all stations reduces emissions of organic compounds by 95%. In place since 2021 in line with EU directives.
- Collaboration with The Love Van initiative: 10,000 meals were donated in 2024 through the allSmart loyalty programme. The programme supports school initiatives to help those in need.
- Green energy solutions: Coral Croatia promotes AdBlue to reduce NOx emissions and oil recycling. The aim is to reduce waste by 30% by 2025.
- Training and safety: regular staff training on the safe handling of fuels prevents pollution. The ‘Safe Driving’ programme teaches customers how to save fuel.
Conclusion
Coral Croatia d.o.o. combines the global strength of the Shell brand with the regional experience of the Coral group. Since entering the Croatian market in 2021, the company has become a well-known player in the distribution of petroleum products, offering premium fuels and services. With its focus on innovation, quality and sustainability, Coral Croatia continues to strengthen its position on the competitive Croatian market, giving drivers reliability and excellent service.
Coral Croatia – frequently asked questions
Coral Croatia d.o.o. is the licensed representative of Shell fuels in Croatia, engaged in the retail sale of petroleum products and lubricants and the sale of additional products at its petrol stations.
Coral currently has 31 petrol stations in Croatia.
Coral Croatia offers standard fuels such as diesel and petrol, as well as premium fuels such as Shell V-Power 100 and Shell V-Power Diesel, along with a wide range of lubricants and car care products.
Coral Croatia is majority-owned by the Greek company Coral S.A., part of the Motor Oil Hellas group.
The company focuses on reducing emissions through high-quality fuels, innovation and socially responsible business in line with Shell’s standards.
The main competitors in Croatia are INA, Petrol, Tifon and Crodux, as well as Lukoil Croatia.