Leadership strategy: can UPG become the leader of Ukraine’s fuel market?
19 February 21:07
In the second half of 2025, the UPG chain of gas stations increased the number of stations under its own management almost sixfold — from 87 in July to 529 in December. The company announced this in a press release, according to Forbes , as reported by Komersant.
This is one of the most dynamic examples of expansion in the Ukrainian fuel sector in recent years.
The role of the AMCU and the lease of 349 gas stations
A key factor in this growth was the decision by the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine, which in July-October 2025 approved the transfer of 349 gas stations to Ukrpaletsystem, the operator of the UPG network.
Previously, these facilities operated under the ANP and Avias brands. According to the group’s founder, Volodymyr Petrenko, by the end of September, the network already had 436 gas stations.
The strategic goal is to become the leader in the Ukrainian fuel market.
Financial indicators and taxes
The expansion was accompanied by growth in financial indicators. According to YouControl, in the first nine months of 2025, the company received UAH 30.2 billion in revenue and UAH 214 million in net profit.
Tax deductions for the year reached UAH 19 billion, which is UAH 5 billion more than last year.
Staff and salaries
The number of employees grew by 44% to over 5,300. On average, about 200 new employees joined the team every month.
According to the State Tax Service of Ukraine, the chain is among the top five largest fuel station operators in terms of average salary — UAH 33,200.
Logistics of scale
Active expansion has also affected the transport component. In six months, the company’s trucks covered more than 25.6 million km — the equivalent of 641 laps around the Earth.
UPG claims to have its own logistics and direct fuel imports from refineries in Europe and the US, as well as uniform quality control standards.
Social projects
In 2025, the company continued its partnership initiatives. In particular, it provided fuel for the Superhumans Center evacuations, thanks to which 47 people from the frontline territories were transported to specialized clinics.
UPG also joined the Ukraine WOW project, donating 1,000 tickets to IDPs and military families, and during the winter blackouts, it distributed free lunch boxes in Dnipro and offered discounts on fuel.
What this means for the market
The Ukrainian fuel market underwent a major restructuring after 2022, with changes in logistics chains, import structure, and the regional presence of operators.
UPG’s rapid expansion indicates a redistribution of assets and market concentration. At the same time, questions of competition, profitability, and the long-term sustainability of such growth rates remain open.
Whether the company will be able to translate quantitative growth into long-term leadership will depend on financial discipline, supply stability, and consumer purchasing power in 2026.
