Our History
Roma Fuels: A Journey of Over 50 Years
Roma Fuels Ltd. began as a family-owned business in 1968 and has since grown into one of Ontario’s largest independent fuel and lubricant distributors. Founded by Mario and Guido Rollo, the company has always been driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Over the past 52 years, Roma Fuels has evolved from a residential heating oil distributor to a trusted provider of commercial diesel fuel for industrial operations.
The Beginning
Mario and Guido Rollo establish Roma Fuels, starting with residential heating oil deliveries.
The Roma Fuels story began when Mario and Guido were inspired by their brother Frank Rollo, who worked as a furnace oil technician for Shell Canada in the 1960s. Frank’s expertise encouraged Mario and Guido to start their own business, delivering heating oil to residential customers in Toronto. They purchased their first oil truck and began servicing homes, laying the foundation for what would become Roma Fuels Ltd.
Adapting to Change
Roma Fuels pivots to servicing commercial clients in the construction and industrial sectors.
In the early 1980s, the Canadian government introduced a program encouraging residents to switch from heating oil to natural gas. This shift posed a significant challenge for Roma Fuels, but Mario and Guido saw an opportunity to diversify. They expanded their services to the commercial sector, focusing on construction companies and other industrial operations that required large amounts of diesel fuel. This pivot allowed the company to grow from a primarily residential focus to a commercial business, servicing major construction and paving companies.
Expanding the Reach
Roma Fuels partners with Brown’s Fuels, expanding its service area across Ontario.
Roma Fuels continued to grow, and in 2007, they partnered with Brown’s Fuels in Milton, Ontario. This strategic partnership allowed both companies to expand their reach across the province, making Roma Fuels a leading supplier in the Golden Horseshoe region. Their commitment to growth and customer service remained at the core of their success.
Embracing Innovation
Lino Rollo joins the company and spearheads technological innovations, including DEF delivery and automated services.
As the next generation of the Rollo family joined the business, Roma Fuels entered a new era of innovation. Lino Rollo, son of Mario, brought a fresh perspective when he joined the company as CFO. His vision was to automate processes and implement new technologies to better serve customers. This period saw the introduction of new services such as wheel-to-wheel refueling and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) delivery, catering specifically to the commercial trucking industry.
Customer-Focused Growth
Roma Fuels continues to evolve, with a focus on customer service, innovation, and adapting to new challenges.
Today, Roma Fuels is managed by Lino and his brother Sergio, who serves as VP of Operations. The company continues to innovate and expand its services, while maintaining its core value of customer satisfaction. With a focus on automation and efficiency, Roma Fuels has adapted to the changing needs of its clients, especially in response to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Their wheel-to-wheel refueling service has grown in popularity, offering a safer and more efficient fueling option for trucking companies.
