GAITHERSBURG, MD- Oil Express is reporting that it obtained a letter sent to a BP franchisee that indicates BP Products North America Inc. will terminate all of its am/pm Mini Market franchises east of the Rockies by the end of 2012.

The pullout will not affect BP-branded supply agreements, wrote Bill Fry, vice president of BP Products North America, in the letter.

BP mailed the notices earlier this month prior to its announcement that it is selling its Carson, California, refinery and Arco retail network.

"Each franchise agreement grants BP the unilateral right to terminate the franchise agreement if BP determines in good faith and in the normal course of business to withdraw from marketing and to no longer maintain am/pm Mini Market franchises in the relevant geographic market area," Fry told Oil Express.

Commensurate with BP€™s termination, franchisees will receive refunds that reflect a prorated portion of their initial franchise fee or renewal fee. Refunds will be paid after BP confirms the store is debranded, Oil Express reports.

BP representatives have begun contacting franchisees to detail the termination process, including removing signage and paying outstanding bills. It is also asking them for two weeks€™ notice to finalize the franchise termination and to expedite refunds.

Oil Express said BP did not return a request for more information.

am/pm stores are paired with BP-branded fuel in eastern states and Arco-branded gasoline on the West Coast.