Fifteen NT service stations to change ownership as OTR moves in on Puma

A well-known southern brand is on a Territory buying spree. Find out what it will mean for motorists.

Petrol station and convenience store company OTR is taking over the Territory’s 15 Puma-branded stores from Chevron Australia Downstream.

The two companies began talks on the sale late last year and the deal is expected to be finalised by April.

Territory motorists won’t notice an immediate change.

The partnership will include the ongoing sale of premium fuel by Chevron and the Puma brand is expected to remain on display in the NT at least until next year.

Puma service station operators spoken to by the NT News said they were in a holding pattern until the sale was finalised but one said it would be a win for customers.

“We don’t know what changes are planned but this is a positive sale for the Territory,” a Puma service station manager, who asked not to be identified, said.

Puma service stations in the Territory are being bought by OTR.

OTR has more than 180 petrol stations and convenience stores across South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and WA.

OTR has partnerships with a number of leading brands including Guzman Y Gomez, Krispy Kreme, HappyDogWash and Subway.

Chevron is also selling its shares in Directhaul Pty Ltd and related commercial supply and haulage buinsess assets to Mogas Regional.

“(Chevron) has entered into an agreement to sell its Puma branded service stations in the Northern Territory to new business partner, OTR, which will own and operate the sites with world-class fuel supplied by Chevron Australia Downstream,” the spokesperson said.

“The sale is expected to be completed by the end of first-quarter 2023.

“We believe it will be more efficient to partner with highly reputable local businesses who would own and operate our assets, distributing our high-quality products across northern Australia. Chevron will support these partners with our world-class supply chain.”

OTR said it was looking forward to entering the Territory market.

“Within the first quarter of 2023, OTR will take over the ownership and operation of Chevron Australia Downstream’s Puma branded company operated service stations in the Northern Territory,” the spokesperson said.

“The partnership will include the ongoing supply of premium fuel by Chevron Australia Downstream.

“OTR is looking forward to entering the northern Australian market and becoming part of the local community.

“We pride ourselves on being business builders, working collaboratively with the community, our suppliers and business partners, to deliver a best in market innovative, and fresh approach to convenience retail.

“OTR is all about giving our customers choice and making life easy. Over the coming months OTR will announce new store offerings for the NT, which will include a range of OTR branded products.”

Previously known by the now obsolete trading name On the Run, OTR is part of the Peregrine Corporation Group, South Australia’s largest private employer with more than 6500 staff.