International petroleum brand Gulf Oil has entered the local market with its first retail outlet, on the way to building a network of 20 gas stations by next year.
At the same time, the company opened its doors to franchisees its gasoline and diesel distributorship.
Last Tuesday, Gulf Oil launched its first petroleum dealership in Asia in Abucay, Bataan, which it expected to be the first of several fuel stations in key cities in Mindanao, Cagayan Valley and Metro Manila.
Specifically, the firm aims to bring its petroleum products to the cities of Davao, General Santos and Santiago, and the town of San Isidro in Isabela province. For the National Capital Region, Gulf Oil’s first outlet will be located in Quezon City.
“Gulf Oil aims to put up at least 20 fuel stations for the remaining part of the year up to the end of 2017 to jump-start its retail network growth and is now looking for new partners to take the brand into new territories and new product markets,” the firm said in a statement.
The opening of Gulf Oil’s first gas station was witnessed by its UK-based international vice president Frank Rutten along with the firm’s local partners who have been distributing the company’s lubricants in the country for the past 18 years.
Since introducing the first drive-in service station in 1911, Gulf Oil has been at the forefront of innovation in the petrol retail industry with pioneering moves such as the introduction of complimentary road maps, over-water drilling and catalytic cracking refineries.
Gulf Oil was founded in 1901 at the time of the discovery of oil in Spindletop, Texas.
It has since evolved into an oil company with operations including exploration, production and transport, refining and marketing; and with exposures to diversified industries such as petrochemicals and automobile component manufacturing.
It is present in over 100 countries through a network of official distributors and wholly owned operations. A portfolio of products is provided to distributors through a network of blending facilities in Asia, Europe, North and South America.