In brief
A useful petroleum requirement identifies the buying entity, exact product, applicable specification, workable quantity, destination or receiving point, delivery basis and timing. Terminal, storage, import and inspection arrangements can be clarified progressively. REVDICO's first review is free and focuses on whether the requirement is defined well enough for a practical next step.
1. Identify the actual buying requirement
Begin with the product the buyer can genuinely purchase rather than a general request for “fuel”. EN590 Diesel, Jet A-1, fuel oil, base oils, bitumen and petroleum coke involve different specifications, suppliers, logistics and receiving facilities. State the required grade and the standard or destination specification that will govern acceptance.
The legal buying entity and the authorised commercial contact should be identifiable before a transaction progresses. A purchasing consultant or representative may submit the first description, but the represented side and route to the buyer should be explained.
2. Define quantity as an executable programme
Separate the quantity per shipment from the expected monthly or total programme. A trial movement, recurring truck or rail programme, terminal parcel and seaborne cargo require different counterparties and cost structures. If final quantity depends on price, vessel size, storage or allocation, provide a realistic range and explain the dependency.
Large headline volumes do not improve an enquiry when receiving capacity and timing are undefined. Suppliers need to understand what the buyer can take, how frequently and from what date.
3. Name the destination and receiving structure
A country alone may be insufficient. Where possible, identify the port, terminal, storage facility, airport system or inland receiving point. Include known draft, tank, throughput, discharge, truck-loading or other operating constraints that may affect delivery.
REVDICO does not require the buyer to disclose every protected contract or storage document at first contact. A concise explanation of the receiving arrangement is normally enough to determine which questions matter next.
4. Choose a delivery basis the buyer can perform
The requested Incoterm should fit the buyer's real capability. A buyer requesting FOB should be prepared to arrange freight and related responsibilities. A delivered request should name a destination that allows the supplier to assess freight, insurance, terminal and route costs.
Incoterms do not settle every operational issue. Title, risk, inspection, demurrage, terminal charges, documentary requirements and acceptance procedures still need transaction-specific agreement.
5. Explain timing and decision status
State whether the requirement is market exploration, an active purchase, tender preparation, an active tender or an approved recurring programme. Provide a target delivery window and any decision deadline. Artificial urgency is less useful than a realistic commercial timetable.
If internal approval, import licensing, terminal nomination or finance is still being arranged, say so. A transparent status allows the opportunity to be assessed without treating preliminary work as a confirmed order.
6. Prepare for supplier qualification
Before relying on a supply proposition, buyers should examine the seller's legal identity, role, relationship to the product, proposed loading point, specification, volume, documentation and ability to perform the stated delivery basis. REVDICO may test the internal coherence of this information, but that first review is not a warranty of supply or performance.
Final legal, financial, technical and commercial due diligence remains with the buyer and its advisers. Product documents should relate to the actual transaction rather than an unrelated historical cargo.
7. Compare offers on the same basis
A price has limited meaning without product basis, location, Incoterm, quantity, validity period and included costs. FOB, CIF and delivered indications should not be compared as if they transfer the same responsibilities. Benchmark references, differentials, freight and inspection terms should be recorded consistently.
A structured comparison also records unresolved issues. An attractive headline price with unclear authority, route or receiving feasibility is not equivalent to a fully described proposal.
8. What REVDICO returns after the first review
REVDICO normally indicates whether the requirement is within scope, which commercial points are sufficiently clear, what information still needs clarification and the most practical next step. That may be a focused question, a structured transaction brief, further qualification or discussion of a controlled introduction.
The first review does not guarantee a supplier or completed transaction. It helps determine whether the buyer's requirement is ready for responsible commercial discussion.
Buyer brief checklist
- Buying company, country and authorised contact.
- Exact product and applicable specification.
- Quantity per shipment and frequency.
- Destination, receiving point and known capacity.
- Preferred Incoterm and delivery window.
- Purchase status and decision timetable.
- Inspection, documentation and operational requirements already known.
Submit a petroleum buying requirement
A concise description is enough to begin. Complete only the information currently known; quantity and telephone number remain optional.