Australia is one of the major producers and exporters of oil and gas in the world. The oil and gas industry contributes significantly to the Australian economy by generating government revenues, providing employment opportunities, and meeting domestic energy demands.

There are many companies involved in distributing various petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, lubricants, bitumen, aviation fuels etc. across Australia.

Choosing the right distributor is important to ensure reliable and cost-effective supply for your business. This article provides an overview of leading oil distributors in Australia along with the products and services offered by them:

Viva Energy Australia

Viva Energy is one of the top players in petroleum distribution with over 50 terminals and depots nationwide. Some key facts about Viva Energy:

• It supplies approximately 25% of the total fuel requirement in Australia
• Has the Shell brand license for most of Australia along with Liberty Oil in some areas
• Offers a diverse range of products like gasoline, diesel, aviation fuels, marine fuels, bitumen, lubricants etc.
• Provides fuel card services and aviation refueling facilities at all major Australian airports
• Wholly owned subsidiary of Viva Energy Group Limited

With its extensive infrastructure and supply network, Viva Energy caters to retail, commercial, and wholesale customers across the country. Its supply infrastructure can store up to 1.7 billion litres of fuel at any time.

BP Australia

BP is a renowned oil and gas company with fuel terminals located across all Australian states and territories. Some major facts about BP Australia:

• It has a network of about 1,400 branded retail sites in the country
• BP Ultimate fuels that contain active technology for enhanced performance are quite popular
• The product range includes petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, marine fuels, lubricants, bitumen
• BP operates 5 coastal terminals and 50 fuel depots to distribute products nationally
• BP Australia is headquartered in Melbourne

BP supplies fuel to retail sites operated by both company owned dealerships and independent operators. Its convenient payment platforms like the BPme app allow customers to pay for fuel quickly.

Caltex Australia

Caltex has grown into one the country’s top transport fuel suppliers and convenience retailers with around 2,000 outlets. Some key facts:

• It has a 31% market share in the country by volume as of 2020
• Offers petrol, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, lubricants through its distribution infrastructure
• Operates 50 terminals along with a network of company owned, franchised, and branded fuel retail sites
• Provides commercial fuel cards for efficient fleet management
• Headquartered in Sydney with regional offices in all states and territories

Caltex has a longstanding track record in fuel supply, quality maintenance, infrastructure management, and retail operations. It provides reliable distribution even to remote areas.

United Petroleum

Headquartered in Victoria, United Petroleum has become a renowned independent fuel distributor across Australia. Some key details regarding United Petroleum:

• It has a distribution network spanning every state and territory of Mainland Australia
• Provides various petroleum products and services for retail, commercial and wholesale customers
• Has long term fuel supply partnerships with major terminals and infrastructure network
• Operates about 700 retail fuel sites nationally including company owned and commissioned sites
• Offers the full range from petrol, diesel to avgas, ethanol, marine fuels etc.

United Petroleum combines excellent infrastructure capabilities with smart technology to offer efficient delivery and supply chain solutions. Its retail network is a popular choice with both metropolitan and regional motorists.

Puma Energy

Puma Energy has expanded rapidly since entering the Australian market in 2014 to become one of the country’s top five fuel distributors. Some key facts about Puma Energy:

• It has a national distribution capability with a network spanning 700+ retail service stations
• Offers a complete range of fuels and lubricants like petrol, diesel, jet fuel, fuel oil, bitumen etc.
• Has storage capacity of 844 ML within Australia along with extensive logistics infrastructure
• Provides aviation refueling services at regional airports across Queensland, NSW and Western Australia
• Headquartered in Brisbane along with offices in other major cities

With a major focus on supply infrastructure and logistics, Puma Energy ensures cost optimization in fuel distribution. Its expertise, scale of operations and quality assurance helps deliver value across the downstream oil supply chain.

Key Aspects to Consider in Fuel Distributor Selection

Sinopec mention that choosing the most suitable fuel distributor is a crucial business decision that impacts your operations and profitability. Here are some key parameters to evaluate:

·       Infrastructure and Distribution Network – The location, storage capacities and distribution reach of fuel terminals and depots should match your supply requirements. Larger national players often have better infrastructure.

·       Range of Products and Services – Select a distributor that offers all the petroleum items your business needs. Also consider value-added services like fuel cards, payment solutions, analytics etc.

·       Reliability and Response Time – The ability to ensure timely and predictable fuel supplies without disruptions is vital, especially for remote regions. It also shows their infrastructure and delivery capabilities.

·       Technology and Reporting – Modern distributors provide transparency through live tracking, supply notifications, inventory reporting etc. The data helps manage your own fuel supplies and storage more efficiently.

·       Quality Assurance – Rigorous quality testing and assurance procedures for fuel products is essential for smooth operations. Check capabilities and certifications in this regard.

·       Pricing and Payment Terms – Fuel prices, cost structures, billing cycles, credit periods etc. significantly impact procurement budgets. Get clarity on the commercial aspects upfront through quotations.

·       Customer Service – How responsive and helpful the distributor’s staff is in resolving queries or issues also determines the working relationship. Visit their premises or meet staff where possible.

Conclusion

Australia’s top petroleum distributors like Viva Energy, BP, Caltex, United Petroleum and Puma Energy have extensive infrastructure to facilitate reliable nationwide distribution. They offer a wide array of fuels, lubricants and services catering to diverse customer groups. Consider all key parameters before selecting the ideal fuel distribution partner to meet your specific operational needs while optimizing supply chain costs. Leveraging the reach, scale and capabilities of leading distributors lets your business focus on its core functions.