Oman oil launch in Kenya through Hass targets key markets in the region

Oil marketer Hass Petroleum Group has signed a partnership with Muscat-based Oman Trading International to market its lubricants in East Africa, having launched in Kenya. This comes barely a year after Oman Trading International (OTI) acquired 40 pc stake in Hass Petroleum Group.

“Today marks a significant growth strategy that will see our partners market and sell our oil lubricants across its market reach,” said Oman Oil Marketing Company Chief Executive David Kalife. Oman Oil Marketing Company is a subsidiary of OTI.

“Moving forward, we are focused on identifying new business leads and expanding the geographical reach of our products beyond Oman’s borders.”

Mr. Kalife said he was confident the partnership with Hass Petroleum would not only reinforce the trade relations between the Sultanate and Kenya, but also help establish new streams of collaboration between the two nations and her neighbours.

Kenya boasts of tremendous business opportunities as the most developed nation in East Africa. Its location and strong logistical infrastructure makes it an ideal port for imports to inland countries – a factor that Oman Oil intends to take advantage of by breaking into new neighbouring markets like Uganda, Tanzania and DR Congo.

 “When you look at the Kenyan lubricants market, you realize that there is a lot potential. Going by recent numbers, the market is valued at about Sh18 billion ($180 million. Majority of this comes from the transport and industrial sectors,” noted Hass Petroleum Group CEO Issa Mohamed.

Mr. Mohamed said part of the agreement was that OTI would provide technical expertise and financial backing to Hass Petroleum as it seeks to penetrate key African markets.