In a landmark development, Saudi oil giant Aramco inaugurated its first branded gas station in Pakistan on October 29, 2024, in Lahore, marking a new chapter in its expansion strategy within the South Asian nation. This follows Aramco’s acquisition of a 40% stake in Pakistan’s Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd. (GO) earlier this year.
Aramco, a leading global energy and chemicals corporation, produces roughly one-eighth of the world’s oil. Its new partnership with GO, one of Pakistan’s largest fuel retail and storage networks, opens the door to extensive growth in the country. The newly branded Aramco stations will offer premium fuels, top-quality lubricants, professional automotive services, and modern convenience stores, creating a complete customer experience, according to a joint statement by Corporate and Marketing Communications (CMC) of Aramco and GO.
“This milestone represents a key step in Aramco’s downstream growth as we launch our first station in Pakistan, a market ripe with growth potential,” commented Yasser M. Mufti, Aramco’s Executive Vice President of Products and Customers. “Our values of excellence, innovation, and community partnership will guide us as we leverage our global refinery systems to ensure reliable supply, coupled with world-class retail offerings.”
With GO’s established network of over 1,200 fuel retail outlets, Aramco plans to extend its presence across Pakistan, a move CEO Khalid Riaz of GO says will “redefine Pakistan’s fuel retail standards by setting new benchmarks in quality, service, and customer satisfaction.”
This partnership reflects the close trade, defense, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates, stands as the largest source of remittances to Pakistan. The collaboration follows extensive investments between the two countries, including a $21 billion deal signed in 2019. This deal includes a $10 billion Aramco oil refinery and a $1 billion petrochemical complex at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. Recently, the Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to a $5 billion investment package for Pakistan, underscoring its support for the country’s economic stability and growth.