Total signs MoU with Saudi Aramco to look into Saudi petrol station market

French oil and gas firm Total announced recently that it was interested in Saudi Arabia’s petrol station market.

Itsaid it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with state energy giant Saudi Aramco to look at options.

The MoU was signed on April 10 during a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Paris, a spokesman said, a trip that saw the signing of preliminary agreements with French companies including Total worth about US$12 billion.

The spokesman declined to give further details.

Total and Aramco are considering the joint acquisition of petrol station operators in Saudi Arabia, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

One of the sources said a deal worth between 2 billion and 3 billion riyal (US$533 million to US$800 million) was being discussed.

Aramco did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co acquired a license this week to operate petrol stations in Saudi Arabia, the company’s retail fuel unit said.

Dubai’s Emirates National Oil Co also operates petrol stations in Saudi Arabia.