Sun Company Inc.

Sunoco LP
Company type	Master limited partnership
Industry	Fuel distribution, energy infrastructure management
Founded	1886
Headquarters	Dallas, United States
Area served	Over 40 U.S. states and territories
Products	Fuels, pipeline infrastructure, terminal operations
Parent	Energy Transfer Partners

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Sun Company Inc., available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 30 November 2025

Sunoco LP is a Delaware-registered master limited partnership based in Dallas, Texas. Established in 1886, the company transitioned from a fully integrated energy corporation to a distributor of fuels and manager of energy infrastructure. It formerly operated in oil and natural gas exploration, refining, chemical production, and retail fuel sales but has since exited these areas.

The company was previously identified as Sun Oil Company (1890–1976) and later as Sun Company Inc. (1976–1998), with the Sunoco brand originating from SUN Oil Company.

In 2018, Sunoco sold its non-core convenience store business to 7-Eleven for $3.2 billion, enhancing its financial stability and establishing a long-term fuel supply contract with 7-Eleven to maintain consistent revenue. By 2024, Sunoco manages 76 retail sites, mainly located in New Jersey and Hawaii under the Aloha Petroleum brand.

As of 2024, Sunoco supplies fuel in excess of across more than 40 U.S. states and territories, making it one of the largest independent fuel distributors nationwide. Its midstream portfolio includes roughly of pipeline infrastructure and upwards of 100 terminals. In Pennsylvania, Sunoco operates more than 800 gas stations—over three times the number operated by second-ranked ExxonMobil—yet it holds the second position behind convenience store chain Sheetz in overall fuel sales volume.

1800s to 1950s: Establishment and Expansion

The origins of the company trace back to The Peoples Natural Gas Company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1886, partners Joseph Newton Pew, Philip Pisano, and Edward O. Emerson ventured into newly discovered oil fields in Ohio and Pennsylvania. By 1890, the firm was rebranded as the Sun Oil Company of Ohio. The company rapidly broadened its operations to include oil production, distribution, refining, and sales. By 1901, it was officially incorporated in New Jersey under the name Sun Company, Inc.

In 1902, the Sun Oil Refining Company was established in Texas to exploit the resources of the Spindletop oil field. J. Edgar Pew, nephew of Joseph Newton Pew, acquired storage and transportation assets from Lone Star and Crescent Oil Company through an auction. Crude oil from Spindletop was transported to the company's refinery located in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania.

Leadership passed on to Pew’s sons, J. Howard Pew and Joseph N. Pew, Jr., who continued to guide the company forward.

As oil reserves and refining capacity grew, Sun opened its inaugural service station in Ardmore, Pennsylvania in 1920. The company reverted to the name Sun Oil Company in 1922 and went public with an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange by 1925. During World War II, Sun Oil ranked 39th among U.S. firms for government production contracts. Following the war, expansion included a refinery in Sarnia, Ontario in 1953—an emerging hub for petrochemical development—and a facility at Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo in 1957, which produced over one billion barrels before being nationalized in 1975.

In 1956, Sunoco launched "CustomBlended" fuel pumps that allowed customers to choose from several octane options at a single station. These pumps offered up to eight different grades through a "Dial A Grade/Blend Selector," ranging from subregular Sunoco 190 to premium Sunoco 260 and super-premium 102 octane fuels. The Sunoco 260 was promoted as "The Highest Octane Fuel You Can Buy!" and gained popularity among drivers of V8 muscle cars during the 1960s.

1960s to 1990s: Expansion Through Acquisitions and Brand Evolution

In 1967, Sun Oil founded Great Canadian Oil Sands Limited in northern Alberta, Canada, tapping into the extensive Athabasca oil sands deposits.

The following year, in 1968, Sun Oil merged with Tulsa-based Sunray DX Oil Company, thereby extending its refining and marketing presence under the DX brand across multiple Midwestern states. The Tulsa refinery operated until its divestiture to Holly Corporation in 2009, enhancing Sun Oil’s footprint within the midcontinent market.

During the 1970s and 1980s, products were sold under both Sunoco and DX names; however, DX stations were gradually converted to Sunoco branding throughout the Midwest. By the early 1990s, Sunoco withdrew from most southeastern and western U.S. markets, with former stations rebranded by competitors such as Sinclair, Kerr-McGee, and Chevron.

Demonstrating diversification efforts, the company changed its name to Sun Company in 1976. In 1980, it acquired U.S. assets of Texas Pacific Oil Company from Seagram for $2.3 billion—a transaction ranking as the second largest acquisition in U.S. history at that time.

Throughout the 1980s, Sunoco expanded its oil interests internationally into regions like the North Sea and offshore China while also increasing its domestic oil and coal holdings through acquisitions. In 1983, it introduced Sunoco ULTRA 94, a premium unleaded gasoline product. A corporate restructuring in 1988 refocused operations on refining and marketing by separating exploration and production activities. This restructuring included acquiring Atlantic Refining and Marketing—adding A-Plus convenience stores and Philadelphia refinery assets—which later merged with a former Gulf Oil refinery obtained from Chevron.

By the decade’s close and into the 1990s, Sunoco exited international exploration ventures to concentrate on branded products and services. In 1994, it consolidated Philadelphia refinery operations by purchasing Chevron’s adjacent facility next to its Atlantic refinery. The company divested its remaining interest in Canada’s Suncor Energy in 1995 but maintained joint ventures running refineries in Toledo, Ohio, and Sarnia, Ontario. In 1998, Sun Company adopted the name Sunoco, Inc., subsequently selling the Toledo refinery to PBF Energy in 2011.

Also in 1998, Sunoco acquired Allied Signal's chemical division—including a phenol manufacturing plant renamed "Sunoco Chemicals, Inc."—which was later sold to Honeywell for $85 million in 2011.

2000s

In 2003, Speedway LLC, then under the ownership of Marathon Petroleum, divested 193 convenience stores to Sunoco while acquiring service stations from Coastal Petroleum.

The following year, in 2004, Sunoco took over as the Official Fuel of NASCAR, replacing the 76 brand previously affiliated with ConocoPhillips.

After ConocoPhillips stopped promoting the Mobil brand in the Washington, D.C. region, Sunoco secured the rights and rebranded Mobil stations in Maryland and Virginia as Sunoco locations. This transition included launching APlus convenience stores to replace former Circle K or On the Run outlets.

September 2009 saw Sunoco divest its retail heating oil and propane distribution segment to Superior Plus for $82.5 million in cash.

In Canada, Sunoco licensed its brand to Suncor Energy for retail fuel outlets in Ontario until 2010. After Suncor acquired Petro-Canada, all Sunoco-branded Canadian stations were converted to PetroCanada except for a single site in Port Colborne, Ontario, which ultimately closed in 2023.

In December 2010, Sunoco sold its refinery in Toledo, Ohio, to PBF Energy, Inc. for $400 million. By September 2011, the company revealed intentions to exit crude oil refining altogether by mid-2012, planning to sell its Philadelphia and Marcus Hook refineries. The exit was projected to cost up to $2.7 billion, with losses since 2009 estimated around $800 million.

The Marcus Hook refinery, which specialized exclusively in processing light sweet crude oil—a factor contributing to its shutdown amid fluctuating crude prices—was closed ahead of schedule on December 1, 2011.

In 2012, the dormant Eagle Point refinery complex located in West Deptford Township, New Jersey was dismantled by Sunoco.

Later that year, in September 2012, Sunoco partnered with The Carlyle Group through a joint venture to maintain operations at the Philadelphia refinery temporarily preserving more than 800 jobs. However, on January 22, 2018, this joint venture known as Philadelphia Energy Solutions filed for bankruptcy.

Environmental record

On June 21, 2019, an explosion occurred at a Philadelphia alkylation unit with a capacity of 30,000 barrels per calendar day (bpcd), resulting in a significant fire that shook nearby residences. Following this event, the refinery announced its permanent closure on June 26.

In 2014, Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against Sunoco among fifty other companies concerning water contamination related to the gasoline additive MTBE.

An oil spill incident took place in 2000 when a cracked pipe caused Sunoco to release an estimated quantity of oil into Pennsylvania's John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. This leak was initially discovered by a hiker rather than company monitoring systems. In response, Sunoco enhanced its leak detection technology and repaired the affected pipelines.

Sunoco was a pioneer among Fortune 500 companies by adopting the CERES principles in 1993, thereby committing itself to environmental stewardship and transparent public reporting.

Acquisition by Energy Transfer Partners and establishment of Sunoco LP as a master–limited partnership

In 2012, Energy Transfer Partners, an energy firm based in Dallas, completed the purchase of Sunoco, which subsequently relocated its corporate headquarters to Dallas in 2016.

On August 29, 2014, Energy Transfer Partners acquired Susser Holdings Corporation, the proprietor of Stripes Convenience Stores and general partner of Susser Petroleum Partners LP (SUSP). Following this, on October 27, 2014, Susser Petroleum Partners LP was rebranded as Sunoco LP with the stock symbol SUN. Between 2014 and 2016, Energy Transfer Partners consolidated the retail and marketing operations of both Sunoco and Susser Holdings under Sunoco LP.

Within Texas, Sunoco replaced Valero at Stripes outlets; however, the Stripes and A–Plus brands continued to operate independently.

Present Operations: Emphasis on fuel distribution and energy infrastructure

In 2014, Sunoco LP expanded by acquiring Aloha Petroleum, Ltd., a retail and wholesale fuel company with six terminals located in Hawaii, alongside purchasing eight Pico convenience stores in south central Texas. By December 2015, it had finalized the acquisition of Alta East, Inc., a wholesale motor fuel distributor serving the northeastern United States. Aloha Petroleum grew its footprint by adding more stores including a Subway franchise in Hawaii.

June 2016 saw Sunoco LP acquire Valentine Convenience stores comprising 18 outlets and Kolkhorst Petroleum, Inc., which operated 14 convenience stores under the Rattler's brand with substantial fuel distribution volumes. In October 2016, Denny Oil was incorporated into the portfolio, contributing an additional 90 million gallons to distribution capacity.

Diversifying further in August 2016, Sunoco acquired Emerge Energy Services LP, entering the transmix fuel processing sector.

In April 2017, Sunoco launched Sunoco UltraTech fuel across all stations—a high-detergent blend that meets Top Tier standards and aligns with detergent levels used in NASCAR fuels.

By January 2018, Sunoco divested 1,030 retail stores to 7-Eleven while committing to supply 2.2 billion gallons of fuel annually over a 15-year term, including service plazas along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. On December 20, 2018, it completed the purchase of a refined terminal business from American Midstream Partners.

In April 2018, Sunoco converted 207 retail locations in central west Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico to Cal's Convenience commission agent model. That same month included acquiring Superior Plus Energy Services, which added three terminals and approximately 200 million gallons to wholesale fuel volumes. Additional acquisitions during 2018 comprised Sandford Energy LLC, BRENCO Marketing Corp., and Schmitt Sales Inc.

In 2019, Sunoco announced a joint venture with Energy Transfer holding a 50% stake in the J.C. Nolan diesel pipeline linking west Texas to the Gulf Coast. Additionally, in January of that year, it sold its ethanol plant and grain malting operations in Fulton, New York to Attis Industries.

During 2021, Sunoco expanded its midstream capabilities by opening a terminal in Brownsville, Texas; acquiring terminals from Cato Incorporated in Maryland; and purchasing eight terminals from NuStar Energy LP across Illinois, Maryland, Florida, New Jersey, and Virginia.

In 2022, acquisitions included Gladieux Capital Partners LLC—a transmix plant with wholesale fuel operations in Indiana—and Peerless Oil & Chemicals which operates a terminal and wholesale fuel business in Puerto Rico.

May 2023 marked the completion of acquiring sixteen refined product terminals along the East Coast and Midwest from Zenith Energy.

In January 2024, Sunoco sold 204 convenience stores situated in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and West Texas to 7-Eleven for $1 billion.

On March 13, 2024, Sunoco expanded internationally by acquiring Zenith Energy Netherlands Amsterdam B.V., encompassing liquid fuels terminals located in Amsterdam and Bantry Bay in Ireland.

On May 3, 2024, Sunoco LP completed its acquisition of NuStar Energy LP for $7.3 billion—a strategic transaction advancing diversification and vertical integration—adding roughly 9,500 miles of pipeline infrastructure along with sixty-three terminals.

In July 2024, Sunoco established a joint venture with Energy Transfer combining crude oil and produced water-gathering assets within the Permian Basin; this partnership manages over 5,000 miles of pipelines supported by storage capacity exceeding eleven million barrels. Energy Transfer holds a majority interest of 67.5%, while Sunoco LP retains a 32.5% share.

August 2024 saw the acquisition of a liquid fuels terminal located in Portland, Maine.

On March 12, 2025, Sunoco broadened its European footprint by purchasing TanQuid—the largest independent terminal operator in Germany—with ownership of fifteen terminals across Germany plus one terminal in southwestern Poland. This infrastructure is pivotal for Europe's fuel distribution network.

On May 4, 2025, Sunoco revealed plans to acquire Canadian fuel distributor and retailer Parkland Corporation through a $9.1 billion cash-and-stock transaction. The merged company would become the largest independent fuel distributor across the Americas with over eleven thousand retail outlets and control of the Burnaby Refinery. The deal includes maintaining Parkland’s headquarters in Calgary along with significant Canadian employment levels. Completion depends on shareholder approval and regulatory consent under the Investment Canada Act. Despite a proxy contest at Parkland’s board before closing,the transaction was finalized on November 11, 2025.

Partnerships

Sunoco maintains exclusive agreements to supply fuel at travel plazas situated along prominent toll highways such as the Ohio Turnpike, Pennsylvania Turnpike, New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Atlantic City Expressway, Palisades Parkway, and Delaware Turnpike. Additionally, Sunoco operates fuel stations on the New York Thruway and oversees service areas including Chesapeake House and Maryland House on Interstate 95 in Maryland.

President/CEO

Joseph Newton Pew, 1886–1912
J. Howard Pew, 1912–1947
Robert G. Dunlop, 1947–1970
H. Robert Sharbaugh, 1970–1976
Theodore A. Burtis, 1976–1981
Robert McClements, Jr., 1981–1987
Robert P. Hauptfuhrer, 1987–1988
Robert McClements, Jr., 1988–1991
Robert H. Campbell, 1991–1996
John G. Drosdick, 1996–2008
Lynn L. Elsenhans, 2008–2012
Brian P. MacDonald, 2012
Robert W. Owens, 2012–2017
Joseph Kim, 2018–

Chairman of the Board

Joseph Newton Pew, Jr., 1947–1963
J. Howard Pew, 1963–1971
Robert G. Dunlop, 1971–1974
H. Robert Sharbaugh, 1975–1979
Theodore A. Burtis, 1979–1987
Robert McClements, Jr., 1987–1992
Robert H. Campbell, 1992–2000
John G. Drosdick, 2000–2008
Lynn Elsenhans, 2009–2014
Sam L. Susser, 2014–2015
Matthew S. Ramsey, 2015–2022
Ray W. Washburne, 2022–

Sunoco Performance Fuels

By 2017, Sunoco’s fuel offerings were designed to satisfy the needs of performance-oriented drivers while adhering to the standards of the Top Tier Fuel Program. These advanced formulations promote engine cleanliness and aid in meeting emissions standards, utilizing the same blends that power NASCAR vehicles to enhance performance and durability.

94 Octane

Between 1983 and the early 2000s, Ultra 94 with a 94-octane rating was recognized as the highest octane unleaded gasoline available in the market. Sunoco began reintroducing this premium octane fuel selectively starting in 2021.

Sunoco Race Fuels

Specializing in racing fuel production and distribution, Sunoco Race Fuels offers eighteen distinct high-performance blends used extensively in professional motorsports competitions. These fuels are manufactured at Sunoco LP’s Marcus Hook refinery.

Sunoco Race Fuels is designated as the Official or Spec Fuel supplier for various racing organizations such as:

Motorsports partnerships

Sunoco has a long history sponsoring Team Penske, particularly in the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am Series, where Penske’s Sunoco-branded Camaros secured championships in both 1968 and 1969. The company also supported Penske’s Porsche and Audi entries in Can-Am racing and played a role in Penske’s inaugural Indianapolis 500 win in 1972 with driver Mark Donohue.

Sunoco’s involvement in NASCAR began in 1987 with driver Charlie Rudolph and extended through sponsorship of Hagan Racing between 1989 and 1992, backing drivers like Sterling Marlin and Terry Labonte. From 1995 to 1997, it served as the primary sponsor for ST Motorsports’ No. 47 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Fuller, who achieved a NASCAR Busch Series victory at Bristol in 1996.

In 2003, Sunoco was named the Official Fuel of NASCAR. The brand introduced a Green E15 racing fuel with a 98-octane rating during the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season—a formulation that remains in use today.

Sunoco held the title of Official Fuel of the NTT IndyCar Series from 2011 until 2018 and was also the official fuel provider for Indianapolis Motor Speedway between 2015 and 2018. For the 2012 season, it launched an E85 ethanol blend with reduced concentration aimed at reflecting consumer vehicle trends.

In the Indianapolis 500 of 2013, Sunoco sponsored Panther Racing’s No. 60 Chevrolet driven by Townsend Bell before partnering with KV Racing and driver Tony Kanaan—winner of that year’s race—for a primary sponsorship spanning four events.

From 2015 through to at least 2024, Sunoco has been recognized as the Official Fuel of the National Hot Rod Association.

In addition to racing sponsorships, Sunoco became a founding partner of "Daytona Rising" in 2016, contributing to enhancements at Daytona International Speedway including a dedicated fan engagement area featuring its branding.

In the years spanning late-2017 to early-2018, Sunoco served as the Official Fuel for the Canadian Snow Cross Circuit.

Starting in 2019, Sunoco began backing Richmond Raceway’s eSports team competing in the eNASCAR iRacing World Championship Series. The defending champion Zack Novak piloted the Sunoco-sponsored vehicle in the following season alongside teammate Jimmy Mullis. By 2024, Sunoco expanded its presence within sim racing by sponsoring Letarte Racing.

Celebrating two decades as NASCAR’s Official Fuel by 2023, Sunoco reaffirmed its motorsports commitment.

In a significant move for its motorsports portfolio in 2024, Sunoco announced a two-year partnership with Sauber Motorsport’s Formula One team—marking its return to F1 competition after nearly fifty years away.

Sponsorships

Sunoco maintains partnerships with the following entities:

Hershey Bears – The American Hockey League team affiliated with the Washington Capitals

Hersheypark – Official sponsor of the Twin Turnpike Speedway and Twin Turnpike Classic Cars attractions

External links

Sunoco official website
Sunoco LP official website
Archival records of Sun Oil Company preserved at the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming