By RACHNA LAL
Mobil Oil Fiji has confirmed that it is in discussion with the Tappoo Group of Companies to take over the operations of a number of Mobil-owned service stations in Fiji.
Speaking on behalf of Mobil Oil Fiji, business support manager, Yvoneta Singh, said a further announcement regarding this would be made soon.
This follows formal notice from current franchise operator, Carpenters, of their intention to exit from the Mobil service stations.
Mobil Oil Fiji has assured that it remains committed to minimising disruption of services to customers.
“We are working to ensure smooth transition to the new arrangement and to keep the sites operating through this period,” it said.
Carpenters Motors operated 21 Mobil retail service station sites in Fiji under an agreement between the two parties.
Carpenters explains
Carpenters Fiji Limited said their formal agreement for the Mobil retail franchise for the 16 Mobil-owned stations and five Carpenters-owned stations expired earlier this year.
Roger Powell, or Carpenters in response to questions from the Fiji Sun, explained that after several reviews with Mobil, it was agreed that Carpenters would hand the franchise back to Mobil.
He said a new franchisee could then take over the retail fuel operations.
Nevertheless, he said: “Carpenters continues its proud tradition and close relationship with the Mobil brand.
“This is through Carpenters Motors Mobil Lubricants, the distributor for Mobil Lubricants in Fiji, and Carpenters Motors Distribution, the haulers and distributors of Mobil fuel on Vanua Levu.”
Partnership
Mr Powell said Carpenters Fiji Limited and Mobil Oil have been partners since the turn of the 19th century, with Carpenters representing Vacuum Oil.
“Mobil succeeded that brand,” he said.
“Carpenters has operated a large percentage of the Mobil fuel retail chain, and in the late 1980’s began the transformation from fuel and oil stops to what has become the current retail of fuel and convenience stores concept.”