French oil major, Total, is set to sell its UK fuel retail business, putting a large share of the national consumer market in play.
The decision comes as Total reviews its UK downstream operations, with its fuel stations accounting for almost 10% of the UK market on sales of more than three billion litres of fuel and lubes annually.
As well as 480 own-brand stations, Total supplies a further 300 licenced independent retailers, which amounts to 6,500 direct and around 35,000 indirect jobs across the UK. The strategic review also includes the organisation's heating oil business, although it is planning to retain its UK aviation and lubes businesses.
The annoucement follows the company's recent decision to put its Lindsey refinery up for sale in North Lincolnshire in the East of England. Currently, the Russian energy giant, Gazprom, has been linked as a potential buyer for branded service stations.