Mon 28 Apr 2014, 06:14 GMT

Puma Energy eyes expansion in Asia-Pacific


Oil firm plans terminal facility in Indonesia and fuel sales growth in Australia.



Puma Energy, a subsidiary of Trafigura Beheer B.V. - one of the world’s largest independent commodity traders - expects revenue generated from the Asia-Pacific region to rise to around 25 percent of total sales over the next few years via the construction of new oil import terminals and an increase in fuel sales volumes, a senior executive at the firm has told Reuters.

The mid- and downstream oil company is looking to build a terminal facility in Indonesia and could also further expand its presence in the Australian market.

Robert Jones, Puma Energy chief operating officer, Asia Pacific and Middle East, was last week quoted as saying: "Australia has gone through a very significant shift in the closure of refineries and is becoming one of the most important import markets for refined petroleum products.

"We're the largest independent [in Australia] but still nowhere near the same size as the smallest major, so that tells you that there's a lot of room to grow in that market."

Currently, the Middle East and Asia Pacific account for 15 percent to 16 percent of Puma Energy’s overall revenue, which is expected to rise to around 25 percent over the next few years, according to Jones.

Latin America accounts for a quarter of the company's revenue, whilst Africa - Puma's most important market - makes up around half.

Puma Energy acquired Ausfuel in 2013 and is constructing an oil terminal in Mackay, northern Queensland, that will supply fuel to its mining customers. It also purchased Caltex Australia’s bitumen business.

"The businesses we acquired were focused on particular geographies and particular market segments, whereas our business model is much more diverse. With the integration into the Trafigura supply system, we think we can be much more competitive as well," Jones said.

In Indonesia, Puma Energy is expected to announce further investments in the next few months, including an oil storage terminal in Balikpapan to import oil for mining customers in Kalimantan, Jones said.

Last year, Puma Energy's worldwide sales reached rose by 4.2 million cubic metres (cbm), or 47 percent, to 13.1 million cbm, up from 8.9 million cbm the previous year.

The company has grown quickly over the last few years by acquiring fuel marketing and distribution businesses from major oil companies such as Exxon Mobil, BP and Chevron in Central America, Africa and Asia.

Puma Energy is owned by commodity trader Trafigura (48 percent) and Angolan state oil firm Sonangol (30 percent), while the remainder is held by private investors and employees.


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