Gulf Oil International (GOI) announced the opening of the first Gulf service station in South Africa, marking the return of Gulf as a fuel brand on the continent after an absence of more than a decade.

Gulf is currently in the middle of a major global expansion programme in both fuel and lubricants and this first African retail outlet is a significant milestone in its growth strategy. The station is located in Johannesburg and is operated by Gulf’s South African fuel retail licensee, Capital Lounge Management Services.

As the model for Gulf service stations in South Africa, the new station is intended to offer a step-up, in terms of service, to local customers.  The Gulf facility offers a partner shop and a hot food outlet. Like many Gulf stations around the world, it aims to become a local meeting point and community facility.

The branding, signage and equipment were provided and fitted, under license, by OPECO Energy, an authorised service station supplier of Gulf Oil International.

Other station openings are planned over the remainder of this year, with a steady roll out of the Gulf brand in fuel retailing in South Africa over the next five years.

“The launch and growth of the Gulf Service Station network will raise awareness of the brand in South Africa and should also help further increase sales of Gulf Lubricants, through our regional operation, Gulf Oil Middle East Ltd.,” said GOI New Business Manager Paul Stannard. “The opening of this station will also attract more dealers to take on the brand and will be of great assistance in finding and opening other Gulf networks in Africa.”

This latest opening comes hot on the heels of Gulf’s recent announcement of the launch of Gulf Japan, as fuel licensees for the country and in the midst of the brand’s move into wider energy supply, with Gulf due to commence selling gas and electricity in the next few months.

Gulf Oil International Ltd. is part of the USD20 billion Hinduja Group. The Gulf lubricant brand is present in more than 100 countries, across five continents with the values of ‘Quality, Endurance & Passion’ as its core attributes. GOI’s core business is manufacturing and marketing an extensive range of performance lubricants and associated products for all market segments.

GOI also licenses national fuel retail networks around the globe. The Gulf fuel brand is currently present in 26 countries with more than 1,500 retail outlets.

Other Gulf Oil International Group businesses include Gulf Oil Marine, which supplies lubricants to the world’s shipping industry and is present in more than 1,000 ports worldwide, as well as the world’s most successful metalworking fluids company, Houghton International, which was recently sold to Quaker Chemical.

Gulf businesses include Gulf Aviation’s specialist fuel supply, Gulf Express quick-lube franchises and Argenfrutcrop protection.