Optimizing Petroleum Products Distribution Centers Using GFA and AnyLogistix Simulation: A Case Study

Moqbel S. Jaffal (), Amjad B. Abdulghafour, Omar Ayadi and Faouzi Masmoudi
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Moqbel S. Jaffal: Department of Management of Industrial Systems, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia
Amjad B. Abdulghafour: Department of Production Engineering and Metallurgy, University of Technology—Iraq, Baghdad 10066, Iraq
Omar Ayadi: Research Unit of Mechanics, Modeling and Production (U2MP), Department of Mechanical Engineering, National School of Engineers of Sfax (ENIS), University of Sfax, BP 1173—Route de Soukra, Sfax 3038, Tunisia
Faouzi Masmoudi: Research Unit of Mechanics, Modeling and Production (U2MP), Department of Mechanical Engineering, National School of Engineers of Sfax (ENIS), University of Sfax, BP 1173—Route de Soukra, Sfax 3038, Tunisia

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: Background : The Petroleum Products Distribution Company in Anbar Governorate is responsible for securing and distributing petroleum products to various sectors, including transportation, agriculture, industry, and households, through over 100 gas stations. The company has faced significant challenges due to the destruction of its infrastructure caused by past conflicts. These challenges have necessitated strategic decisions to design an efficient distribution network. Methods: This study aimed to assist the company in selecting the optimal location for a distribution center by evaluating four potential locations. Three of the proposed locations were suggested by the company: Ramadi, Habbaniyah, and Haqlaniyah. The fourth location, referred to as the GFA DC location, was determined through a greenfield analysis (GFA) experiment using AnyLogistix software (version 3.2.1. PLE) ALX. The simulation experiment in ALX was conducted using product data, fuel station locations, order quantities, distribution center data, and transportation and emissions data. Results : The simulation results, taking into account both practical and regulatory constraints, indicated that the Ramadi location was the most suitable for establishing the new distribution center. Conclusions : Based on the analysis, the study concluded that the Ramadi location was the optimal site for building the petroleum products distribution center in Anbar Governorate, offering a solution that aligns with the company’s goals of improving distribution efficiency and overcoming existing logistical challenges.

Keywords: distribution center; petroleum products distribution; simulation; greenfield analysis; AnyLogistix (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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