SYNTHETIC fuel producer Sasol and Malaysian oil firm Petronas are in talks on a possible alliance covering the South African market, Sasol managing director Pieter Cox said on Tuesday. Analysts said that talks are due to start between Sasol and chemicals firm AECI which owns a 40% stake in Polifin, paving the way for a possible equity purchase by Petronas in Polifin. Petronas bought leading fuel retailer Engen in 1998 while Sasol owns just over a 50% stake in chemicals and plastics firm Polifin.