Bahraini Retail Fuel Outlets Could Be Privatized - Report

February 8, 2008
Manama, Bahrain

In a bid to increase the number of retail outlets in Bahrain, state-owned Bapco petrol stations could be privatized, according to Petrol World, which quoted a CRA International study of the country's retail outlet market.

The country's oil and gas ministry is in consultation with US-based strategic consulting firm CRA International regarding the issue, the report said.

CRA International's study includes a review of the retail fuels industry in Bahrain and benchmarking it with other such privatization initiatives in the Middle East, according to Petrol World.

Petrol World said that Bapco company officials were working with Bahrain's National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), the Finance Ministry and the country's Economic Development Board to look into the issues.

Petrol World also reported findings from the study that identified the need to expand the retail fuel network in the country and also resolve the issue of land availability for setting up new outlets. CRA International will submit its final recommendations to NOGA once the study is complete.