Petronas targets 350 fuel stations in Brazil by end of 2026
Malaysian energy company accelerates retail expansion through Nexta, aiming to challenge for the country's fourth-largest fuel distribution position.
Petronas is accelerating its expansion in Brazil’s fuel retail market, targeting 350 branded service stations by the end of 2026 as it seeks to establish itself as the country's fourth-largest fuel distribution player.
The Malaysian energy company operates its Brazilian retail business through Nexta, part of Grupo Argenta. According to Nexta CEO Ian Dobereiner, the company is currently adding about four new stations per week and has set a longer-term goal of reaching 1,000 sites in Brazil as part of Petronas’ global ambition to build a network of 5,000 service stations worldwide.
The network is expanding across Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais and several states in southern and central-western Brazil. Around 30 of the new locations are in Rio de Janeiro state, including cities such as Campo Grande, Angra dos Reis and Itaperuna.
Brazil’s fuel retail sector is dominated by three major players: Vibra, which operates the BR brand, Raízen, the licensee of Shell, and Ipiranga. Together, they account for a significant share of the market, while a large portion of remaining stations operate independently under no fuel brand.
Petronas is positioning itself to grow in the segment between the major distributors and independent operators. The strategy focuses on attracting medium and large service station operators through an offering that extends beyond fuel supply.
In addition to branded fuels, Nexta provides convenience retail through its Yes stores, oil change services under the Auto Expert banner and car wash operations through Wash Expert. The company supports its network through 39 fuel storage bases and direct fuel purchases from Petrobras.
According to Dobereiner, the goal is to strengthen customer experience and improve station profitability while building a nationwide branded network capable of competing with larger established players.
