Azerbaijan.US
Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR has expanded its retail presence in Romania, opening three new fuel stations and bringing its total network in the country to 91 locations.
The new stations were launched in the regions of Sălaj, Suceava, and Satu Mare, further extending SOCAR’s footprint across Romania. With the latest openings, the company now operates in 30 of the country’s 41 regions, reflecting a steady expansion strategy in the European Union market.
SOCAR conducts its operations in Romania through its subsidiary SOCAR Petroleum SA, established in 2011. The company currently operates three fuel storage facilities nationwide. Total investments by SOCAR in Romania are estimated at 400 million Romanian lei (approximately €78.4 million).
Company executives say the expansion aligns with SOCAR’s long-term investment plans in Romania. Analysts note that growth in the EU retail fuel market comes with stricter environmental, competition, and regulatory requirements, making Romania a strategically important testing ground for SOCAR’s European operations.
Market observers view the continued expansion as part of a broader effort to diversify revenue streams and reduce dependence on a limited number of regional markets. Romania’s position within the EU, along with its developing fuel retail sector, makes it a key destination for SOCAR’s downstream investments.
