Following its decisive and strategic comeback, Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals powerhouse, is set to roll out its premium fuel formulations into the Philippine market, signalling its renewed commitment to meeting the country’s growing demand for high-performance energy solutions.

In an exclusive interview with the Manila Bulletin, Aramco Executive Vice President of Products and Customers Yasser M. Mufti revealed the company’s next major step: the commercial entry of ‘Aramco ProForce’, its premium fuel line engineered to elevate engine performance and redefine driving standards in the Philippines.

“We plan to introduce Aramco ProForce products, the company’s premium fuel formulations that deliver enhanced engine performance,” he stressed. Mufti emphasized that “these fuels are the outcome of our advanced research and development (R&D) and represent meaningful improvements over standard market fuels.”

ProForce, which is currently marketed in Chile and Pakistan, represents Aramco’s benchmark in premium fuel innovation—a blend crafted to enhance power, safeguard engines, and ensure peak responsiveness through advanced cleaning and anti-wear systems.

At its core, ProForce was innovated to give every engine precisely what it demands: cleaner combustion, smoother performance, and longer life. This ensures that every drive feels as powerful and refined as possible, consistently delivering a brand-new driving experience. Under test conditions, the product has demonstrated a boost in engine power and improved throttle response.

Aramco’s return is cemented by a strategic equity investment that recently reached a transaction closing, securing a 25 percent stake in Unioil Petroleum. This marks its renewed investment in the Philippine downstream oil industry.

“The acquisition of a 25 percent stake in Unioil is our third international retail investment within two years, following our entries into Chile and Pakistan,” Mufti highlighted. “These demonstrate execution of our strategy, reinforcing Aramco’s position as a primary global retail player in markets with strong fundamentals and growth potential.”

He acknowledged that since the company’s exit in 2008, “the Philippine energy landscape has changed, driven by expansion of economic activity and increasing energy demand, making it an attractive market for our downstream business.”

At the firm’s return, the Aramco executive indicated, “we see great untapped value in bringing our advanced products and services to consumers in the Philippines.”

On top of its premium fuels, Aramco will similarly bring Valvoline lubricants and its ‘a-Stop’ convenience store brand to ultimately provide a comprehensive suite of products and customer-focused retail services to Filipinos.

“As part of enhancing the retail fuel customer journey, we plan to introduce ‘a Stop’, Aramco’s branded convenience store offering which provides customized offerings and services for consumers,” Mufti disclosed further.

He similarly noted, “Our Valvoline-branded lubricants represent the pinnacle of automotive technology. These high-quality lubricants are engineered to the highest standards that meet the latest lubricant specifications required by original equipment manufacturers.”

The Aramco executive qualified, “we will be working with our partner to continuously enhance customer’s experience, exploring opportunities in convenience retail, digital solutions, and overall service quality as we believe consumers in the Philippines deserve nothing less than a world-class experience.”

Mufti expounded, “in the fuel marketing space, we plan to introduce best-in-class design of retail service stations, quality fuels, non-fuel offerings, digital solutions, and customer services which will elevate the standards of the Philippine fuel marketing industry.”

He specified that the company draws strength from the fact that “our brand is among Aramco’s most valuable assets,” having secured the top spot among global energy brands and ranking in the Top 25 across all industries; outperforming many renowned consumer brands, as rated by Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Brands for 2025.

“By working alongside Unioil, a strong local player, we gain first-hand understanding of market dynamics and stay ahead of evolving customer needs,” he pointed out. “This collaboration enables us to fuel the market’s growth and position ourselves as the supplier of choice for its fuel requirements.”

Aramco’s Philippine strategy goes beyond premium fuels and market leadership, as the company also targets to leverage its global partnerships—including those with FIFA World Cup and Formula 1—chiefly to drive meaningful and far-reaching community impacts.

“We have consistently supported and inspired communities in the countries where we operate. We aim to bring the same energy and contribution here, combining industry impact with meaningful community engagement beyond the core oil business,” Mufti said.