Aramco opening first Philippines gas station

MANILA, Philippines — Global oil behemoth Saudi Aramco is marking its return to the Philippine retail fuel market with the opening of its first gasoline station in the country this month.

The STAR has learned that Aramco, which acquired a 25-percent stake in the Co family’s Unioil Group, is set to launch its first location in Parañaque.

In recent days, the company has been building anticipation for its comeback through a series of social media teasers, signaling that its return is finally within reach.

“From Saudi Arabia to Pakistan to Chile, and now, the Philippines, a legacy of progress and global innovation is making its way to your roads,” Aramco Stations Philippines wrote on social media.

Aramco’s local office address published on social media matches that of its partner, Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. (UPPI).

Last October, Aramco sealed its entry into UPPI, a move expected to expand the Saudi oil giant’s brand, retail products and Valvoline-branded lubricants to select fuel stations nationwide.

The partnership also gives Aramco access to the Philippines’ booming high-value fuel market while driving UPPI’s growth and expansion.

For this Philippine venture, Aramco invested around 295 million Saudi riyals to acquire interests in UPPI and Unioil Energy Pte. Ltd., according to a document obtained by The STAR.

UPPI currently operates a network of over 160 retail stations and is actively involved in wholesale fuel trading, specialty oil marketing and asphalt distribution.

Unioil Energy, meanwhile, is mainly responsible for sourcing and supplying fuel to support UPPI’s operations.