RBML is a Reliance industries and BP joint venture that will offer lubricants, fuels and EV charging

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has announced a joint venture with BP, one of the largest international energy companies in India, called the Reliance BP Mobility Limited (RBML).  The joint venture will begin selling fuels and Castrol lubricants with immediate effect from its existing retail outlets, which will be rebranded to Jio-bp. Further, the new joint venture aspires to provide Indian consumers with advanced fuels with lower emissions, electric vehicle charging and other low carbon solutions over time, stated the official communication. [caption id=“attachment_8582491” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] Image: Pixabay[/caption] Following initial agreements in 2019, bp has paid RIL $1 billion for a 49 percent stake in the joint venture, with RIL holding 51 percent. Operating under the Jio-bp brand, the joint venture aims to become a leading player in India’s fuels and mobility markets. It will leverage Reliance’s presence across 21 states and its millions of consumers through the Jio digital platform. bp will bring its extensive global experience in high quality differentiated fuels, lubricants, retail and advanced low carbon mobility solutions. India is expected to be the fastest-growing fuels market in the world over the next 20 years, with the number of passenger cars in the country estimated to grow almost six-fold over the period. RBML aims to expand from its current fuel retailing network of over 1,400 retail sites to up to 5,500 over the next five years. This rapid growth will require a four-fold increase in staff employed in service stations growing from 20,000 to 80,000 in this period. The joint venture also aims to increase its presence from 30 to 45 airports in the coming years, mentioned the official release. Commenting on the partnership Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited said: “Reliance is expanding on its strong and valued partnership with bp, to establish a pan-Indian presence in retail and aviation fuels. RBML will aim to be a leader in mobility and low carbon solutions, bringing cleaner and affordable options for Indian consumers with digital and technology being our key enablers”. Bernard Looney, bp chief executive officer, said: “India has been leading the way with innovations in digital technology, value engineering and new energy solutions. It is a country that will require more energy for its economic growth and, as it prospers, its needs for mobility and convenience will accelerate. bp has a proud history in India spanning over a century. We are honoured to be a strategic partner with Reliance India’s most valuable company and pleased that our partnership has grown in both substance and spirit over this past decade. Reliance’s digital capabilities, technical expertise and reach complement our international fuels and service offers. Today’s announcement is another milestone in our common goal to serve the Indian consumer. This new venture is a unique opportunity to build a leading, fast-growing business that can help meet India’s demands and create exciting new digital and low-carbon options for the future.” Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd which publishes Firstpost