More Aramco-branded gas stations set to open in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — After unveiling its first branded gasoline station in Parañaque, global oil behemoth Saudi Aramco has mapped its expansion to three more sites across Luzon.

Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. (UPPI) president Kenneth Pundanera told reporters yesterday that Aramco-branded stations will also rise in North EDSA, Quezon Avenue and along North Luzon Expressway in the coming weeks.

Pundanera said Aramco and Unioil would jointly manage the stations, although further details were not disclosed.

Aramco returned to the Philippine retail fuel market after nearly two decades through the acquisition of a 25-percent stake each in UPPI and Unioil Energy Pte. Ltd. for 295 million Saudi riyals or roughly P4.8 billion at current exchange rates.

To officially mark its comeback, Aramco opened its first gasoline station in Sucat, Parañaque, offering premium fuel and Valvoline-branded lubricants.

“Together with Valvoline via Aramco, we are bringing the trusted expertise of lubricants and car care services to help keep vehicles performing at their best,” Aramco VP for retail Ziyad Al Juraifani said.

Aramco’s partnership with Unioil represents further progress in the strategic expansion of the Saudi oil firm’s global retail network in high-value fuel markets.

It also advances Aramco’s push to capitalize on rising consumer demand in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.

“For decades, Unioil has helped change the Philippine fuel industry to do better. We introduce cleaner fuels. We created more choices and proved that a Filipino company could lead through innovation,” Pundanera said.

“This partnership strengthens that story. It brings one of the world’s most respected brands together with a proudly Filipino company that has always believed consumers deserve better,” he added.

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

Aramco, on other hand, once held a 40-percent interest in Petron Corp. before exiting the country in 2008.