Western expands Arizona retail footprint

Western Refining will add 31 retail locations in Arizona this week, boosting the company's locations in the state by 13pc and adding outlets for its 125,000 b/d refinery in El Paso, Texas.

The refiner will acquire the locations through lease arrangements with retail operator Reay's Ranch. The conversion of the stores to Western's Giant brand will finish by tomorrow.

The stores add 10pc to the refiner's overall retail fuel volume and an anticipated 15pc to its merchandise sales, according to the company. Western is able to refine west Texas crudes and sell the products at west coast prices.

"The addition of these stores to our retail network is consistent with our strategy to grow retail within the supply reach of our refineries with minimal capital investment," chief executive Jeff Stevens said.

Western Refining operates retail fuel stations in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

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