By Saudi Aramco, the global oil and gas giant, is set to strengthen its presence in Pakistan by launching a new fuel station in Karachi, the country’s bustling business hub. The station is expected to be established in the city’s Gulistan-e-Johar area, marking Aramco’s second major step in its retail expansion in Pakistan.
Expansion in Pakistan’s Fuel Sector
This development follows the inauguration of Aramco’s first branded retail gas station in Lahore on October 29, 2024. The launch signaled a significant milestone in the company’s downstream growth strategy. The Lahore station became operational after Aramco acquired a 40% stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd. (GO), one of Pakistan’s leading petroleum retail and storage companies.
Aramco’s Executive Vice President of Products and Customers, Yasser M. Mufti, expressed optimism about the company’s expansion in Pakistan. “This is another milestone in Aramco’s downstream growth story, as we launch the first Aramco station in Pakistan — a market with significant growth potential,” Mufti said. He emphasized that Aramco’s core values of excellence, innovation, and community partnerships would drive the company’s operations in the region.
GO’s CEO Khalid Riaz also highlighted the partnership’s ambitions. “Together with Aramco, we aim to elevate the retail fuel landscape in Pakistan, setting new benchmarks for quality, service, and customer satisfaction,” Riaz stated.
Strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Ties
Aramco’s investment in Pakistan underscores the deepening bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Kingdom hosts over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and is a major source of remittances for the country. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has committed to substantial investments in Pakistan, including a $10 billion oil refinery and a $1 billion petrochemical complex at Gwadar Port.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to a $5 billion investment package aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundation.
A Broader Vision for Retail Expansion
Aramco’s entry into Pakistan’s fuel market is part of a larger strategy to expand its retail network globally. GO, which operates over 1,200 fuel stations across Pakistan, is expected to play a pivotal role in realizing this vision.
The Karachi station will be another step in creating a widespread retail network in Pakistan. With its state-of-the-art facilities and customer-focused services, Aramco aims to redefine the country’s fuel retail landscape, ensuring quality and reliability.
As Saudi Aramco continues to expand its footprint in Pakistan, the launch of a fuel station in Karachi marks another significant move in its strategic growth. This development not only reflects confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential but also symbolizes the growing strength of Saudi-Pakistani relations. With more stations expected in the pipeline, Aramco’s presence is set to reshape Pakistan’s fuel retail sector.
