Highlights

  • Viva Energy entered 2026 with plans to open a further 40-60 OTR stores, including conversions, as part of the final year of retail integration.
  • The company has focused on extending the OTR convenience format while improving independent supply-chain capability across its retail network.
  • Viva Energy continues to operate the Geelong Refinery alongside a national fuel, aviation and commercial infrastructure network.
  • Fuel security remained a 2026 operating theme, including government engagement and additional Supply arrangements during periods of market disruption.
  • The broader 2026 agenda combines convenience retail expansion with refinery, aviation and lower-carbon fuel initiatives.

Viva Energy Group Limited (ASX:VEA) describes itself as a leading convenience retailer, commercial services provider and energy infrastructure Business in Australia. Its operations include a nationwide convenience and fuel network, the Geelong Refinery, and infrastructure supporting aviation, marine, lubricants and other fuel markets. In 2026, the company’s retail integration program and OTR expansion have remained central to its operational agenda, alongside fuel-security and refinery priorities.

OTR Expansion Remains a Core 2026 Retail Priority

In its February 2026 full-year results release, Viva Energy said FY26 would be the final year of its retail integration program. The company expected to open a further 40-60 OTR stores, including conversions, during the year. Management also identified the development of independent convenience supply chains as an important part of improving efficiency and reducing reliance on legacy product-supply arrangements.

The OTR rollout is intended to extend a broader convenience offer across selected sites in the network. Viva Energy has also indicated that the pace of conversions depends on operating readiness, including supply-chain capability and customer-platform integration. This makes execution quality, rather than store count alone, an important part of assessing the program.

Fuel Infrastructure Remains Central to the Business

Retail expansion sits alongside Viva Energy’s role in Australia’s fuel infrastructure. The company owns and operates the Geelong Refinery and maintains a national network of terminals and aviation infrastructure. In April 2026, Viva Energy confirmed an agreement with the Australian Government to help secure additional fuel supplies during disruption in international energy markets, using its domestic refining, Import and logistics capabilities.

The company has also continued work on lower-carbon fuel infrastructure during 2026. In July, Viva Energy launched dedicated storage and blending infrastructure for Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Queensland, connecting the Facility with an airport fuel supply system. Separately, the Geelong Refinery has progressed pathways for co-processed renewable fuels using existing refinery assets.

2026 Operating Factors to Follow

The retail program remains exposed to execution factors such as conversion timing, supply-chain performance, site Economics and customer adoption. Refining operations are also influenced by global energy-market conditions, maintenance requirements and plant availability. Viva Energy’s 2026 Annual Report materials further noted that the Fuel Security Services Payment framework was under review, with no changes finalised at the time of reporting.

For the remainder of 2026, the company’s disclosures provide a framework for tracking OTR conversion progress, retail integration milestones, refinery operations and the contribution of new fuel infrastructure initiatives. These areas span both consumer-facing retail and the company’s broader role in Australia’s fuel supply network.

Key Insights

Viva Energy’s 2026 strategy is broader than a simple service-station conversion program. The company is combining OTR expansion with supply-chain integration, refinery operations and new fuel infrastructure. The significance of the year therefore lies in how effectively these activities are integrated across the retail and energy businesses while the company continues to support national fuel distribution and develop additional lower-carbon fuel capabilities.