MANILA, July 20, 2026, 04:09 PHT
- ProForce gasoline started trading at the Sucat station priced 6.9% higher than standard fuel.
- Early estimates showed membership pricing reduced the premium to 4.4%.
- A single branded outlet accounts for 0.6% of the 2025 network reported by Unioil.
Saudi Aramco TADAWUL:2222 has launched its inaugural branded station in the Philippines, located in Sucat. ProForce gasoline debuted with a price 6.9% higher than standard fuel.
For investors, the key challenge comes once promotions conclude. Sustained premium-fuel demand is more important than opening a single new location.
In 2025, Aramco purchased a 25% stake in Unioil, which at the time ran 165 stations and four storage terminals. The financial details of the transaction were not provided.
A single branded location accounts for 0.6% of the anticipated 2025 network total. The addition of three specified projects would raise the share to 2.4% in initial estimates. These are located in North EDSA, Quezon Avenue, and North Luzon Expressway.
Launch day gasoline prices demonstrate how Aramco is encouraging customers to try its offerings.
| Fuel | Regular posted price | ProForce posted price | ProForce premium | Prices after S&R discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 75.30 pesos/litre | 80.50 pesos/litre | 5.20 pesos, or 6.9% | 72.30 / 75.50 pesos |
| Diesel | 77.40 pesos/litre | 81.60 pesos/litre | 4.20 pesos, or 5.4% | 74.90 / 79.10 pesos |
Initial calculations based on launch-day prices and stated member discounts. The separate bank rebate is not included.
ProForce gasoline featured a 5.20-peso premium prior to discounts. S&R pricing reduced the difference to 3.20 pesos, a drop of 38%. The 4.20-peso diesel gap remained the same.
East West Banking Corp (PSE:EW) is giving a 200-peso rebate for users who spend a minimum of 2,000 pesos on fuel until Sept. 15. This represents a preliminary estimate of 10% rebate at the minimum spend level.
The two initiatives cut trial expenses while maintaining posted pump prices. Launch announcements did not disclose information on redemption rates, volumes or margins.
Ziyad Juraifani, retail vice president at Aramco, described Sucat as “only the beginning of our journey in the Philippines.” Additional sites are planned. Arab News
The station offers premium fuels, car care services, and a convenience retail area. Future sites are set for high-traffic urban areas and a key northern motorway.
The debut signals Aramco’s re-entry into the Philippine fuel retail sector. The company divested its 40% shareholding in Petron Corp (PSE:PCOR) in 2008.
Philippine equities did not open for trading before Monday’s 9:30 a.m. start. The PSEi finished Friday at 6,404.11, climbing 1.25%. Preliminary figures show a weekly advance of 1.9%.
Aramco gained 0.6% on Sunday, with the Saudi benchmark index ending unchanged. Oil prices jumped over 4% on Friday amid rising regional supply concerns.
This week, investors are set to monitor updates on the rollout schedule and track sales figures. The premium-fuel mix will indicate if recent promotions have generated sustained demand.
Risks involve fluctuating crude oil prices, intense competition at the pump, and a slowdown in site conversions. Demand driven by promotions could weaken once rebates end.
Aramco has not revealed station economics or rollout capital. For now, Sucat serves as a customer-acquisition trial, not an earnings play.
