BP Indonesia aiming to roll out convenience stores

BP Indonesia aims to open about 350 petrol stations and convenience stores over the next decade in partnership with AKR Corporindo.

The two oil companies plan to form a JV, Aneka Petroindo Raya, to trade as BP AKR Fuels Retail. The Indonesian company is expected to have the major shareholding.

Initial plans are for 14 directly managed sites from the third quarter of next year, says AKR chief executive Haryanto Adikoesoemo. Franchises will be added later.

AKR runs about 130 gas stations under its own brand, and Adikoesoemo says the firm wants to benefit from BP’s brand appeal and convenience store expertise.

BP regional chief Tufan Erginbilgic says the company hopes to tap the growing market with food, drinks and groceries.

Most Indonesian petrol stations are run by state-owned Pertamina, while UK-Dutch oil giant Royal Dutch Shell has about 80 petrol stations.

BP this year bought the retail service-station business of Australian retailer Woolworths and is widening its Asia-Pacific interests, says a spokesman.

Meanwhile, Japanese retailer Lawson is working with petrol station owners in Thailand while the Thai convenience-store chain FamilyMart is doing the same in the Philippines.

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.