Saudi Aramco Opens First Philippine Fuel Station July 16 After 17-Year Gap

Saudi Aramco is opening its first branded fuel station in the Philippines on July 16 in Parañaque, marking the world’s largest oil producer’s direct return to the country’s retail market after a 17-year absence. The move follows Aramco’s 25% acquisition of Unioil Petroleum Philippines and a 4 billion peso investment to expand the local network. The station will offer Aramco’s ProForce fuel brand and Valvoline lubricants to Philippine consumers.

Why Aramco is returning to the Philippines now

Aramco exited the Philippine downstream sector in 2008 when it sold its 40% stake in Petron Corp., the country’s largest refiner. The company’s return signals confidence in the Philippines’ economic growth and rising fuel demand. By acquiring 25% of Unioil in 2025 and committing 4 billion pesos to expansion, Aramco gains access to an established network of 165 retail stations without building from scratch.

The Parañaque station and rollout strategy

The first Aramco-branded station opens July 16 on Sucat Road in Parañaque, converting an existing Unioil location. Kenneth C. Pundanera, president of Unioil, confirmed the launch details. The Parañaque opening is expected to be the first of a wider rollout across the Philippines. Select stations will feature Aramco’s specialized fuel products alongside Valvoline-branded lubricants to attract consumers seeking premium options.

Market opportunity in Southeast Asia

The Philippines represents a high-growth market for international downstream investors. Analysts noted that Aramco’s return signals renewed institutional confidence in the economic trajectory and energy demand of the Philippines. The country’s fuel consumption is rising, and Unioil’s established 165-station network provides immediate scale for Aramco’s branded products across Southeast Asia.

Strategic fit with Aramco’s global downstream push

Aramco has been aggressively pursuing international downstream investments to secure long-term captive markets for its crude oil. The partnership allows the company to leverage Unioil’s established presence while expanding its global downstream footprint. The Philippines expansion complements Aramco’s strategy to build retail networks in high-growth emerging markets beyond its core Middle Eastern operations.

Final Thoughts

Aramco’s July 16 Philippine launch marks a strategic re-entry into Southeast Asia’s retail fuel market after 17 years. The 4 billion peso investment and Unioil partnership position the oil giant to scale branded fuel sales across 165 stations. For investors in 2222.SA, the move diversifies revenue streams beyond crude production into higher-margin downstream retail operations.

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