Aramco ramps up PH retail expansion with Unioil

Insider Spotlight

• Aramco's first branded station in the Philippines reflects its long-term retail expansion strategy following its 25 percent stake in Unioil
• The partnership combines Aramco's global fuel retail standards with Unioil's local market presence as competition in the downstream oil sector intensifies
• Additional Aramco-branded stations are already planned along North Edsa, Quezon Avenue, and NLEX
  
  

Aramco is deepening its presence in the Philippine downstream oil market as it bets on rising fuel demand and long-term consumer growth, underscoring its strategy of expanding its global retail footprint through local partnerships.

The Saudi energy giant and Unioil Petroleum Philippines have unveiled the country's first Aramco-branded service station in Sucat, Parañaque, marking the first visible outcome of Aramco's acquisition of a 25-percent equity stake in Unioil in 2025. 

The partnership also introduces Aramco's ProForce premium fuel and Valvoline Express Care automotive services to local motorists.

Why it matters

The move signals growing competition in the Philippine fuel retail market as international players seek to capture demand through established domestic operators instead of building networks from scratch.

By the numbers

The Sucat station is the first of several Aramco-branded sites under development, with additional locations planned along North Edsa, Quezon Avenue, and the North Luzon Expressway.

What they're saying

Aramco vice president of retail Ziyad H. Al Juraifani said during the launch: “This is another milestone in Aramco’s growth story. Sucat is Unioil’s first Aramco-branded station in the Philippines, but it's part of a bigger plan. The Philippines has the growth and consumer demand to support a stronger fuel retail market, and that's what drew us in. Unioil brings local market knowledge, and we bring global standards. Together, that's a strong combination aiming to bring premium products to local motorists.”

“Our priority is to give Filipino motorists a new fueling experience when they visit our stations. Through this partnership, we’re providing high-quality fuels, dependable service, and greater value, so customers can truly feel real quality with every visit,” Unioil president Kenneth C. Pundanera said.

The bigger picture

Beyond fuel retail, the companies said they are renovating community basketball courts across Metro Manila as part of grassroots initiatives aimed at supporting local communities and youth through sports. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma