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Manila, July 20, 2026 – Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, has officially re entered the Philippine fuel retail market after nearly two decades, opening its first branded gas station in Parañaque City, Metro Manila.
The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s global downstream expansion strategy and signals renewed confidence in Southeast Asia’s growing energy demand.
The station, located along Sucat Road, was inaugurated on July 20, 2026, and represents Aramco’s first physical retail presence in the country since its exit in 2008, when it sold its 40 percent stake in Petron Corp.
This comeback is made possible through Aramco’s acquisition of a 25 percent stake in Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. in November 2025.
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Unioil operates around 160 stations nationwide, giving Aramco a ready platform to introduce its brand and services to Filipino motorists.
At the launch, Ziyad Juraifani, Aramco’s Vice President for Retail, emphasized the company’s long-term vision.
“We are proud to introduce the Aramco retail experience in the Philippines. This is just the beginning of our journey here.”
His remarks underscored Aramco’s ambition to establish a strong foothold in the region, leveraging its global expertise in fuel technology and customer service.
Kenneth Pundanera, President of Unioil, highlighted the partnership as a bridge between a global energy giant and a local player.
He noted that the collaboration would enhance supply reliability and provide Filipino consumers with access to premium fuels and advanced vehicle care services.
The station offers not only gasoline and diesel but also lubricants and maintenance options, reflecting Aramco’s international retail standards.
The timing of Aramco’s return is strategic.
The Philippines, with a population exceeding 110 million, continues to experience rapid growth in transportation and energy consumption.
This makes the country an attractive market for global oil majors seeking to diversify beyond crude exports.
Aramco’s investment also aligns with its broader push to strengthen downstream operations worldwide, particularly in Asia, where demand remains robust.
However, challenges lie ahead. The Philippine fuel retail sector is highly competitive, dominated by established players such as Petron, Shell, and Caltex.
Aramco will need to differentiate itself through branding, service quality, and supply reliability.
Moreover, global oil price volatility and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could affect its operations and pricing strategies.
Despite these risks, Aramco’s re-entry is seen as a vote of confidence in the Philippine energy market.
Industry analysts suggest that the move could reshape competition, offering consumers more choices and potentially driving innovation in fuel services.
For Aramco, the Parañaque station is more than just a retail outlet it is a symbol of its renewed commitment to Southeast Asia and a stepping stone toward broader regional expansion.
With this launch, Aramco has signaled that its ambitions extend far beyond crude exports.
By investing in retail infrastructure, the company is positioning itself as a global energy brand, capable of delivering not only oil but also a comprehensive consumer experience.
The Philippines, once a market it left behind, has now become a critical part of its future growth story.
