Fuels
Costco's first standalone gas station in the United States is expected to open to the public in Mission Viejo, California, before the end of June. The station covers 17,000 square feet, has 40 fueling positions, and is open only to members. Costco is also building another standalone gas station in Hawaii. If this model succeeds, it could pose broader competitive pressure on the convenience store industry.
The Iran war has driven US gasoline prices to their largest weekly increase since the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, drawing attention from convenience store and fuel retailers. Analysts note that short-term volatility may benefit fuel distributors, but long-term inflation risks cannot be ignored.
Costco is building a standalone gas station in the Kapālama Kai area of Honolulu, Hawaii, expected to be completed in 2027, featuring 40 fuel pumps. The project is part of Kamehameha Schools' ʻŌlauniu mixed-use development plan, located about one mile from the existing Costco gas station.
Arko Corp. announced that its wholesale fuel distribution business, Arko Petroleum Corp., has completed its initial public offering (IPO), raising approximately $200 million. The company rang the opening bell at Nasdaq on Thursday, officially operating independently. Arko Petroleum distributed 2 billion gallons of fuel across more than 30 states last year and plans to use the proceeds from the listing to advance its 'dealerization' strategy, converting some company-operated convenience stores into wholesale customers.