Energy and commodities trader
Founded in 1966 in Rotterdam. Involved in oil refining, trading, shipping, storage, exploration and production, marketing and power generation. It has 40 offices around the world and trades over seven million barrels of crude oil and products a day, controlling about 6.5% of the world oil market in 2016. In 1990, the Dutch owner and seven other partners sold the company to 40 employees including Ian Taylor, the current CEO, with no one owning more than 5%. It is Dutch registered, Geneva headquartered and decision making is made in London.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Jan 2020)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Vitol Holding BV
Praise
Criticism
Information
Selling toxic fuel in Africa
This company blends cheap fuel with sulphur levels many times the European limit for sale in African countries. While the business model is legal, their actions are clearly illegitimate and violate human rights because their profits come at the expense of the health of millions of Africans.
Source: Public Eye
(2016)
Human rights
This 2015 report assesses the human rights approach of Vitol. This company has done little to nothing to reduce its possible involvement in human rights violations.
Source: Brot Fur Alle
(2015)
Fined $135m for bribery
In Dec 2020 this company's US subsidiary agreed to pay a combined total criminal penalty of US$135 million to resolve bribery charges with law enforcement authorities in the United States and Brazil. The resolution arises out of Vitol schemes to pay bribes to officials in Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico.
Source: US Dept of Justice
(2020)
Trading oil with Iran despite sanctions
This 2013 report by Reuters claims that Vitol bought and sold Iranian fuel oil in 2012, bypassing an EU embargo against Tehran. The tale of the cargo of Iranian fuel oil involves tanker tracking systems being switched off, two ship-to-ship transfers, and blending of the oil with fuel from another source to alter the cargo's physical specification.
Source: Reuters
(2013)
Fined for market manipulation
In 2018 the Dispute Settlement and Sanctions Committee of CRE fined Vitol 5 million euros for engaging in market manipulation on the French Southern virtual Gas Trading Point between 1 June 2013 and 31 March 2014.
Source: CRE
(2018)
Criticisms of Vitol - Wikipedia
Vitol has a number of controversies listed on its Wikipedia profile, mostly to do with trading oil with oppressive regimes. Follow the link for further details.
Source: Wikipedia
(2013)
Tax avoidance
This article details how Vitol arranges its business to pay a fraction of the standard UK tax rate for its hugely profitable London operations. Sources reveal that so-called 'brokers' in London are actually traders, with their trades being 'confirmed' in Switzerland. This means the profits on their trades are shifted to low-tax Switzerland.
Source: The Independent
(2014)
Shady deals in Kazakhstan
Vitol has become a major player in Kazakhstan. In 2014, Vitol sold nearly a quarter of crude earmarked for export; it then obtained access to the biggest oil fields in the country. What's the recipe for such success? A Public Eye investigation reveals that Vitol associated itself with individuals close to the ruling powers via a discreet joint venture which handled billion-dollar contracts. Exclusive documents show that the president's son-in-law, Timur Kulibayev, indirectly benefitted from this lucrative partnership. Follow the link the learn more.
Source: Public Eye
(2018)
Vitol Foundation
Vitol first began making charitable grants in 2002 and established the Vitol Foundation in 2006. Since then they have funded over 2,000 projects in 124 countries around the world.
Source: company website
(2017)
Responsibility claims
This company has extensive responsibility claims on its website.
Source: company website
(2017)
BankTrack profile
BankTrack is a global network of civil society organisations and individuals tracking the operations of the banking sector and the activities they finance. Banktrack aims to promote fundamental changes in the banking sector so that banks adopt just and sustainable business practices. BankTrack also has profiles on companies, such as this one, which have been the subject of civil society campaigns for damaging the environment or society. Follow the link to see this company's profile.
Source: BankTrack
(2018)
Company Details
Type:
Private company
Revenue:
152 billion USD
(2016)
Employees:
5,441
(2017)
Subsidiaries:
Viva Energy Group Ltd
(45% owned)
Energy
Operates a retail network under the Shell and Viva Energy brands, plus an oil refinery in Geelong. Listed on the ASX in 2018, with Vitol retaining 45% ownership.
Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd
Oil refiner and fuels supplier
Formed in August 2014 when a consortium led by Vitol acquired Shell's downstream business in Australia (including the Geelong refinery and Shell service stations) for $2.6b. Viva Energy supplies around 25% of Australia's fuel and is the exclusive licensee and distributor of Shell branded fuels and lubricants in Australia. Operates more than 900 service stations across the country. Owns 100% of Liberty Oil's wholesale business and 50% of its retail business. Bought the OTR and Coles Express convenience store networks in 2023. Coles Express stores are being rebranded as Reddy Express.
Eureka Operations Pty Ltd
Fuel & convenience stores operator
There are more than 680 Coles Express and Reddy Express stores located across Australia. In 2023 Viva Energy bought the Coles Express convenience store network and started rebranding them to Reddy Express.
Liberty Oil Corporation Pty Ltd
(50% owned)
Fuel wholesaler
Founded in 1995. Australia's largest independent fuel wholesaler and distributor. Supplies wholesale fuel to over 100 independent retailers and distributors. They buy fuel from a range of refineries, mostly Australian. Viva Energy Australia owns 100% of Liberty Oil's wholesale business and 50% of its retail business.
Contact Details
Products / Brands
Viva Energy Australia (45% owned)
Coles Express
Fuel & Convenience Stores
Reddy Express
Fuel & Convenience Stores
Liberty
Fuel & Convenience Stores