14 December 2007
"United Petroleum is proud to announce today that it has acquired the Hastings Fuel Import Terminal from Trafigura", David Szymczak, the General Manager of United Petroleum said today.
The Hastings Fuel Import Terminal is located in Western Port Bay in Victoria. This very large and modern Terminal will allow United Petroleum to buy from domestic refineries or overseas refineries.
United Petroleum has purchased the Fuel Import Terminal from subsidiaries of the international trading company, Trafigura Beheer BV. This multi million dollar acquisition is a very significant strategic step for United Petroleum and places this import terminal in the hands of an Australian independently owned and operated company. "This is great for competition in the oil industry in Australia", said David Szymczak.
This acquisition is a milestone for United Petroleum and it underpins Uniteds independence and secures its position as a petrol discounter. "The Australian retail petrol market is dominated by the supermarket duopoly and our acquisition will help United to vigorously compete in a market that is unfairly tilted in favour of the supermarkets, with their use of shopper dockets", said David Szymczak.
David Szymczak explained that, "Unlike the Major Oil Companies, United Petroleum has an open terminal policy. Thus United will be keen to allow other independents and oil companies access to the terminal to purchase or throughput product". United Petroleum has further plans to develop access to a network of terminals around the country.
David Szymczak concluded by saying, "This is a very exciting time for United Petroleum and will undoubtedly be of benefit to consumers".