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BP and Reliance Industries announced that they have agreed to form
a new joint venture that will include a retail service station network and aviation fuels
business across India. Building on Reliance's existing Indian fuel retailing network and an
aviation fuel business, the partners expect the venture to expand rapidly to help meet the
country's fast-growing demand for energy and mobility.
The partners have agreed to set up a new joint venture company, held 51% by RIL and
49% by BP, that will assume ownership of RIL's existing Indian fuel retail network and
access its aviation fuel business. It is anticipated that final agreements will be reached
during 2019 and, subject to regulatory and other customary approvals, the transaction will
be complete in the first half of 2020.
The new venture will seek to offer Indian consumers high-quality differentiated fuels and
services at its network of sites, benefitting from RIL's extensive retail business experience
and market-leading access and digital connection to consumers through its Jio digital
platform.
BP will bring its international experience in convenience and fuel retailing and aviation
operations. Castrol lubricants will also be available across the venture's network.
The venture will seek to expand its reach, broadening access through mobile fuelling units
and providing packaged fuels to customers, including home-delivery.
The venture is also expected to benefit from access to competitive fuels supplies from
RIL's Jamnagar refining complex in Gujarat.
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