Many American consumers likely consider multiple factors when choosing a gas station, from price per gallon to fuel type and brand recognition. However, the ownership structure of these familiar brands is often less visible. A significant portion of the U.S. Gas station market is, in fact, controlled by foreign companies, particularly those based in the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and Russia.
British companies hold a substantial stake in the American fuel market. BP, formerly British Petroleum, owns the Amoco chain, which originated as Standard Oil, once the world’s largest oil company. While the Amoco brand is less prominent than in the past, BP continues to operate stations under that name. Shell, another British-owned corporation, began as a London antiques shop in the 1880s and now operates thousands of fuel stations across the United States. EG America, a subsidiary of British-based EG Group, operates ten different travel-stop brands in the U.S., including Kwik Shop, Turkey Hill, Cumberland Farms, Tom Thumb, and Loaf and Jug.
Beyond British ownership, other international entities have a significant presence. 7-Eleven, though originally an American company, is now owned by Japanese corporation Seven & I Holdings, which also owns the Speedway chain. Canadian company Couche-Tard owns Circle K. Lukoil gas stations are owned by a Russian company. Fomento Económico Mexicano (FEMSA), a Mexican conglomerate, acquired Delek US Retail, expanding its presence in the southwestern United States, building on its existing OXXO convenience store brand in Europe and Latin America.
The ownership landscape has seen recent shifts. As of late 2025, Citgo was in the process of being acquired by a U.S. Investor group, ending its previous ownership by Petróleos de Venezuela. This follows a period of attempted consolidation within the industry. In 2024, Couche-Tard made an unsuccessful $38 billion offer to acquire Seven & I Holdings, but continued its expansion through other acquisitions. 7-Eleven also grew through the purchase of both convenience store chains and restaurant chains.
According to a report from Spiegel Online, a photograph taken by Kirk Fisher/iStockphoto was used to illustrate a story about the U.S. Housing crisis on January 23, 2026. Getty Images also hosts photos of Jenna Fischer and Lee Kirk.
