Chevron said in a statement that the termination was a business decision and the company reserved the right to extend or terminate retailers’ contracts at any time.

In a statement issued today, it said the termination process was carried out in accordance with the contractual agreement between the parties.

Chevron issued the statement after 15 Caltex petrol station operators claimed they had been told to cease operations by June 30.

The 15 claimed they were in the dark over why they had to shut down. They said about 200 people would be out of jobs.

One of them, Fauziah Ahmad Fadzil, who has been operating a station in Sungai Buloh for the past 17 years, said no reason was given in the termination letters received by them on May 15.

In the statement, Chevron said: “We look for partnerships that are collaborative and supportive of our Chevron values, and we strive to maintain good relationships with our retailers where they work with us to address concerns.

“Unfortunately, this may not always be the case with certain retailers, despite Chevron’s best efforts to resolve issues amicably and in good faith.”

It said Chevron was issuing the statement because the termination of the contracts of these retailers might have caused “several parties and members of the general public to be dissatisfied with the company’s decision”.

Also, it was in response to feedback and comments made about the company that was shared on social media.

“Some of the comments have been misleading and misinformed.

“Chevron Malaysia Limited wishes to inform the public that business as usual continues at all Caltex stations.”

Last month, Chevron Malaysia country chairman Shahid Ahmed was reported as saying the company planned to open at least eight new petrol stations in the peninsula this year to strengthen its market presence.

Shahid said the company had opened eight stations last year.

According to its website, it has 420 Caltex service stations at strategic locations across Peninsular Malaysia.

About 90% are operated by privately-owned retail operators.

It imports fuel and lubricants through its Singapore office, and has three terminals in Malaysia – at Pulau Indah, Prai and a joint-venture in Pasir Gudang.