RIL, BP launch fuel and mobility joint venture

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and British Petroleum (BP) announced the start of their new Indian fuels and mobility joint venture, Reliance BP Mobility Limited (RBML).

Following initial agreements in 2019, BP and RIL teams have worked closely over the past few months in a challenging environment to complete the transaction as planned, a joint statement said.

BP has paid RIL $1 billion for a 49 per cent stake in the joint venture, with RIL holding 51 per cent.

"Operating under the "Jio-bp" brand, the joint venture aims to become a leading player in India's fuels and mobility markets. It will leverage Reliance's presence across 21 states and its millions of consumers through the Jio digital platform," the statement said.

BP will bring its extensive global experience in high-quality differentiated fuels, lubricants, retail and advanced low carbon mobility solutions, added the statement.

BP and RIL expect the venture to grow rapidly to help meet India's fast-growing demands for energy and mobility.

RBML aims to expand from its current fuel retailing network of over 1,400 retail sites to up to 5,500 over the next five years. This rapid growth will require a four-fold increase in staff employed in service stations, growing from 20,000 to 80,000 in this period. The joint venture also aims to increase its presence from 30 to 45 airports in the coming years.

Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of RIL said, "Reliance is expanding on its strong and valued partnership with BP to establish a pan-Indian presence in retail and aviation fuels. RBML will aim to be a leader in mobility and low carbon solutions, bringing cleaner and affordable options for Indian consumers with digital and technology being our key enablers."

Bernard Looney, CEO of BP said that India has been leading the way with innovations in digital technology, value engineering and new energy solutions and it will require more energy for its economic growth and, as it prospers, its needs for mobility and convenience will accelerate.

"BP has a proud history in India spanning over a century. We are honored to be a strategic partner with Reliance – India's most valuable company – and pleased that our partnership has grown in both substance and spirit over this past decade. Reliance's digital capabilities, technical expertise and reach complement our international fuels and service offers," he said.

RBML has received the marketing authorization for transportation fuels, amongst other necessary regulatory and statutory approvals. The joint venture will begin selling fuels and Castrol lubricants with immediate effect from its existing retail outlets, which will be rebranded to "Jio-bp" in due course, the statement said..