According to the Korea Petroleum Quality & Distribution Authority on Monday, S-Oil had 2,270 registered gas stations nationwide as of last month, tying for No. 2 with HD Hyundai Oilbank. SK Energy ranked first with 2,645 stations, while GS Caltex was fourth with 1,997.
South Korea had 10,646 gas stations in total as of last month. By brand, SK Energy led with a 24.8% share, followed by S-Oil and HD Hyundai Oilbank at 21.3% each, and GS Caltex at 18.8%.
S-Oil entered the gas station business in 2000, later than the country’s other major refiners. Industry officials cite support from its largest shareholder, Saudi Arabia’s state oil company Aramco, as a key factor behind its expansion, as it can secure a stable supply of Middle Eastern crude from the world’s largest crude producer.
S-Oil’s Middle Eastern crude import share stands at 94%, higher than GS Caltex at 70%, SK Innovation at 65% and HD Hyundai Oilbank at 50%.
S-Oil said it plans to broaden its domestic distribution network by expanding support not only for agency-run, company-operated outlets but also for independently operated gas station owners.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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