Coral and Liquigas continue to demonstrate their dedication to supporting local communities, championing education and advancing sustainability. In an exclusive interview with Al Bayan Magazine, Mr. Oscar Yamin, Chairman and CEO of A. Yamin Group, The Coral Oil Company Limited (UK), and Liquigas-Liban SAL, shared insights into the companies’ efforts to uplift Lebanese society and pave the way for a brighter future.
What initiatives is Coral engaging in to support the Lebanese community?
“At Coral, one of our greatest areas of focus – and one we care about deeply – is education, the cornerstone of all great societies. We have always believed that investing in education lays the foundation for societal progress,” Yamin said. “For this reason, in recent years, we have made education a priority and the centerpiece of our initiatives aimed at directly impacting Lebanese communities.”
Coral’s commitment to education is evident through its scholarship program, which has supported hundreds of students from diverse backgrounds. In 2022, 350 students across 25 schools received scholarships, growing to 400 students in 30 schools in 2023, and 420 students in an even greater number of schools in 2024. These scholarships ensure that young learners can continue their education uninterrupted, reflecting Coral’s belief in the transformative power of education.
Building on this dedication, Coral has launched an extensive internship program for university students, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical workplace experience. During August 2024, for the second consecutive year, Coral welcomed students from universities across Lebanon, providing hands-on experience in departments such as Human Resources, Health, Safety & Environment, Operations, and Laboratories. “Our goal is to equip young minds with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive,” Yamin emphasized.
Beyond education, Coral continues to address critical needs within the community through impactful initiatives. The company consistently provides essential supplies and diesel directly to vulnerable families or through trusted associations, and has also extended its assistance to Lebanon’s healthcare sector, helping maintain access to critical services during difficult times.
Coral takes great pride in providing support to Lebanon’s Civil Defense services and the Beirut Fire Brigade, enabling these everyday heroes to safeguard lives, properties and our environment.
Yamin added: “Safety and well-being are at the heart of Coral’s values, starting with our own employees. The company invests in ongoing training programs and implements a variety of well-being initiatives to develop personal growth, empower our team and create a positive and supportive environment.”
What steps has Coral taken to promote sustainability?
Coral views sustainability as a core responsibility, joining the United Nations Global Compact Network a couple of years ago and is also a part of the World Energy Congress.
Coral is working to reduce its environmental footprint by enhancing the energy efficiency of their operations. “We have taken significant strides in integrating renewable energy solutions across our network,” Yamin explained. “For instance, we’ve implemented solar energy systems at our service stations, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and lowering emissions.”
Furthermore, Coral has taken a complementary approach to sustainability in Lebanon, focusing on filling gaps rather than competing with existing stakeholders. In the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, Coral observed the presence of EV importers, solar energy providers and EV charger distributors. However, a critical missing element was the infrastructure connecting these components and instilling confidence in Lebanese consumers. Leveraging its network of Coral and Liquigas service stations, Coral aims to develop a nationwide EV charging infrastructure that supports all EV suppliers operating in Lebanon.
In addition to its EV efforts, Coral identified a gap in solar energy adoption within the private sector. While residential solar solutions have seen growth, private sector companies face challenges in continuing solar development. To address this, Coral will be launching an initiative to finance solar power installations for private sector companies. Collaborating with local solar energy providers, Coral enables these companies to achieve sustainability goals without bearing the full financial burden upfront.
In parallel, as part of its sustainability drive, Coral has made strides in reforestation efforts. In a heartening follow-up to our 2023 reforestation initiative, in 2024 Coral once more partnered with the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative in the runup to Earth Day to continue reforestation efforts.
What is Coral’s vision for the future, and how does the company ensure its initiatives have a lasting impact?
Yamin emphasized that Coral’s vision is rooted in a blend of determination, innovation, and community care. “Our primary objective is to contribute to a sustainable and prosperous Lebanon. Whether through education, environmental initiatives, or community support, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact,” he said.
Looking ahead, Coral plans to expand its education initiatives, supporting an increasing number of students each year. The company is also exploring new avenues to enhance its sustainability practices and deepen its engagement with local communities. “These efforts are not just corporate obligations; they reflect our deep-rooted belief in Lebanon’s potential and our responsibility to help it thrive,” Yamin added.
“Sustainability and community support are long-term commitments,” he explained. “Our approach is to create programs that address immediate needs while fostering enduring growth. By focusing on education, we’re investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Through our sustainability projects, we’re contributing to a healthier environment for future generations.”
With continued efforts in education, sustainability and community empowerment, Coral and Liquigas reaffirm their its commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable future for Lebanon.
A version of this interview was published on Al Bayan Magazine’s website on March 7, 2025.
