Socar gas station network in Romania already covers 18 counties, such as Botosani, Suceava, Neamt, Iasi, Bihor, Bistrita, Buzau, Bacau, Vrancea, Timis, Ilfov, Cluj, Valcea, Arad, Sibiu, Arges, Bucuresti and Brasov.
Socar Petroleum, which owns in Romania the Socar gas station chain, had a turnover of RON572 million (EUR127 million) in 2016, following a 7% decline. From 2015 to date, Socar turnover has been declining, although the company switched from loss to profit and reported profit growth.
To date, the company has created some 550 jobs and carried out investments of over EUR64 million in Romania.
The Romanian gas station market is controlled by four large companies – Petrom, Rompetrol, Lukoil and MOL Romania. The latest data show that OMV Petrom has 552 gas stations, of which 399 units under Petrom brand and the remaining units are OMV brand, being market leader. The next spots are taken by Rompetrol (752 filling stations), Lukoil (some 300 units) and MOL Romania (210 units).