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Essar expands fuel distribution into the South East following Oikos Storage agreement

A deal with Essex-based Oikos Storage will allow Essar Oil (UK) Ltd to expand fuel distribution into new markets beyond its traditional North West and Midland regions

Essar forms a partnership with Oikos that will improve the UK’s fuel connectivity and supply chain resilience

Under the agreement, Essar will store and distribute middle distillate fuels at Oikos’ Canvey Island facility to serve the Thames region. In addition, the agreement will enable Essar to leverage Oikos’ connectivity to the United Kingdom Oil Pipeline (“UKOP”) system to supply the Northampton and Midlands regions boosting supply resilience.

Currently diesel and jet fuels are pumped from Essar’s Stanlow refinery to the Midlands and Northampton regions along the UKOP system.  Under the new agreement, Essar’s imports of middle distillates will now be pumped from Oikos to Northampton and the Midlands regions, increasing Essar’s security of supply proposition.

Expanding markets

The agreement will also see Essar gaining access to the largest market in the country, the Thames region, providing alternative supply options to customers in the region.

“This partnership will improve the UK’s fuel connectivity and supply chain resilience.”Arun Sriskanda, managing director of Oikos

Deepak Maheshwari, CEO of Essar Oil UK, said: “This agreement represents a significant step in Essar’s strategic downstream ambitions, boosting capacities and ability to meet demand at Northampton and Kingsbury.  We are delighted to be working with Oikos to gain access to the largest market in the country, leveraging our strong automotive fuel expertise to serve existing and new markets across London and the South East.”

Carlos Rojas, chief marketing officer of Essar Oil UK, said: “Supply resilience and security of supply are paramount for our customers. This agreement is a testament of Essar’s commitment to strengthen our supply proposition in the Midlands whilst opening the opportunity to extend our winning customer offering to customers in the Thames region.

“We look forward to welcoming them to our new facility at Oikos.”

An important strategic partnership

Arun Sriskanda, managing director of Oikos, said: “Oikos is delighted to enter into a long-term contractual commitment with Essar Oil UK Limited. There are great synergies between our operations with our advantaged marine logistics and access to major cross-country pipelines.

“This partnership will improve the UK’s fuel connectivity and supply chain resilience, as well as develop our site’s capability as we prepare for future fuel trends. We look forward to playing an important supporting role in Essar’s UK midstream operations.”