BP has signed a reciprocal fuelcard acceptance agreement with Esso to offer BP Plus fuelcard customers the opportunity to fill up at Esso branded sites throughout the UK from 2016.

There are approximately 1,000 Esso forecourts in the UK, which will bring the acceptance of BP Plus Fuel Cards to circa 3,500 sites once the rollout is completed.

The agreement means that BP Plus fuelcards will be accepted at BP, Texaco, Gulf and Esso sites in the UK, while Esso fuelcard customers will also benefit from access to the BP network.

Naftali Gefen, UK fuelcard manager at BP fuelcards, said: “At BP, we are committed to expanding our offer to support our fleet customer needs. This collaboration with the Esso network of sites enables us to further improve our offer to BP Plus fleet customers, giving their drivers even more of a choice and availability when travelling throughout the UK.”

The announcement follows the expansion of BP’s branded network by over 100 new sites this year thanks to the recent conversion of a number of Murco sites to the BP brand, as well as other site conversions to BP and the earlier announcement of acceptance at Gulf sites across the UK.

Duncan Connolly, Esso UK retail sales manager, said: “Drivers and fleet operators alike appreciate the flexibility and convenience of Esso card, and this arrangement with the BP network in the UK will further increase choice and availability.”

WEX Europe Services, which operates the Esso fuelcard, is continuing to develop Esso card services in Europe, giving fleet operators access to improved tools and services and a greater choice of sites at which to refuel.

Malcolm Joyce, WEX Europe Services managing director, said, “We are committed to developing the Esso card network and service throughout Europe, and this agreement will make life easier for drivers and fleet operators in the UK.”

Acceptance of Esso cards at participating BP branded service stations and BP fuelcards at the Esso network is expected to start in 2016.