Saudi Arabian Oil Co., the world’s largest oil exporter, has formally returned to the domestic downstream retail market after a 17-year absence, launching its first branded service station in Parañaque City on Thursday, July 16.

The opening of the station along Dr. A. Santos Avenue in Sucat—previously operated by local partner Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc.—marked the physical debut of the Dhahran-based energy giant’s retail brand in the country.

The expansion is backed by a 25 percent equity stake that Aramco acquired in Unioil last year to capitalize on growing fuel demand in Southeast Asia’s fast-growing economies.

“Aramco has been part of the Philippine energy story before,” Unioil President Kenneth Pundanera said in a speech during the station’s launch ceremony. 


“Today, it returns not simply as a global brand but as a partner of Unioil. Following Aramco's investment in Unioil last year, we began a new chapter together, and today, that partnership becomes something Filipinos can see, visit, and experience,” he added.

The joint venture comes during a challenging period for local consumer pockets. While some motorists expected the entry of the state-backed Saudi giant to trigger a price war or downward pressure on local fuel rates, early indicators show Aramco intends to keep its pricing highly competitive with dominant local players rather than discounting its products.

At the newly converted Sucat station, pump prices for diesel are positioned at ₱77.4 and ₱81.6 per liter. Regular gasoline (RON91) is priced at ₱75.3 per liter, while the station’s proprietary premium gasoline blend is retailing at ₱80.5 per liter.

Under the ongoing national energy emergency, retail pricing at the pump will remain subject to the Department of Energy’s weekly regulated pricing adjustments. Local executives confirmed the station is currently in a phase of market testing to gauge consumer response to its pricing structures and service offerings.

As part of the rollout, the station is introducing Aramco’s signature global fuel line, ProForce.

“For ProForce, we are delivering premium fuel technology designed to enhance performance, efficiency, and engine protection, providing valuable customers with a better driving experience,” said Ziyad Juraifani, Aramco vice president of retail.

The Parañaque site is the first step in a broader retail network footprint. Pundanera confirmed that three additional brand conversions are already underway, including Quezon Avenue and North EDSA in Quezon City, as well as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

Aramco previously held a 40 percent stake in Petron Corp., the Philippines’ largest refiner, before divesting its holdings in 2008.