What Astron Energy does

Astron Energy is a vertically integrated petroleum products company operating in Southern Africa as a majority-owned subsidiary of Glencore (68% in South Africa; 100% in Botswana). The company operates the second-largest petroleum retail network in South Africa with over 850 service stations across South Africa and Botswana, alongside 15 national distribution terminals, 180 commercial and industrial sites, and a Glencore-controlled Caltex brand licence that is being phased out in favour of the Astron Energy identity across the network.

The company is built around three production assets: a Cape Town refinery with 100,000 barrels per day of crude processing capacity producing petrol, diesel, jet fuel, LPG and specialty products; a Durban lubricants blending plant with 60 million litres annual capacity producing Caltex-licensed Havoline and Delo lubricants as well as private-label products; and an ISO 9001:2015 / 14001:2015 certified quality system. Core retail products include the proprietary Quartech and Quartech D fuel additive formulations providing 4-in-1 engine protection (anti-friction, anti-corrosion, anti-deposit, anti-foam), Jet A-1 aviation fuel meeting UK MoD DEF STAN 91-091 and JIG AFQRJOS standards, and a marine bunkering capability at Algoa Bay. Distribution is via owned retail sites, the Branded Marketer Programme franchise model (placing 58%+ of the network in the hands of entrepreneur investors with 80% average Black ownership), enterprise field sales for mining, construction, agriculture, aviation, marine and transport customers, and a fuel/lubricants reseller network extending into Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola and Zambia.

Revenue is generated through regulated fuel sales at retail (95 ULR petrol currently R28.06/litre inland), commercial fuel and lubricants supply contracts, lubricants manufacturing (including private label), franchise fees and Caltex brand licensing royalties, and marine bunkering. Customer engagement is layered through the Astron Energy Rewards programme, Standard Bank UCount Rewards integration (up to R10/litre back), FreshStop convenience stores at 330+ forecourts, and the Astron Energy FleetCard for commercial accounts. The company employs 1,001-5,000 staff, maintains Level 1 B-BBEE contributor status for six consecutive years, and channels R220m (AEDF, December 2022) plus R100m+ cumulative (ESD since 2015) into SMME and transformation programmes across the fuel value chain.

Name

Astron Energy

Legal name

Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd

Website

https://astronenergy.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Astron Energy is a vertically integrated South African petroleum products company and Glencore subsidiary that operates a 100,000 bbl/day Cape Town refinery, a 60M-litre Durban lubricants plant, and over 850 service stations across South Africa and Botswana.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Petroleum Refining and Marketing

NAICS

Petroleum Refineries (32411), Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing (324191), Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing (3241)

SIC

Petroleum Refining (2911), Wholesale-Petroleum Bulk Stations & Terminals (5171), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)

akta.pro primary industry

Conversion Refineries (FCC/Hydrocracking/Coking) (EUALAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Refinery Blending & Product Quality Control (Gasoline/Diesel/Jet Blending, Additives) (EUALAGAJ), Alternative Transportation Fuels Retail (EV Charging, Hydrogen, CNG/LNG, Biofuels Blends) (EUALAIAI), Fuel Blending & Additives Services (Blend Optimization, Compatibility) (TLAHAKAI), Lubricants, Fluids & Chemical Products Distribution (Oils, Coolants, AdBlue/DEF, Cleaners) (TLAKAOAL)

Keywords

• Petroleum refining
• Fuel retail
• Lubricants manufacturing
• Aviation fuel supply
• Commercial fuel distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Cape Town

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Fuel Sales (Retail): Sale of petrol and diesel fuels through network of over 850 service stations across South Africa and Botswana under Astron Energy and Caltex brands. Revenue generated through volume-based fuel transactions at forecourts.
2. Fuel Sales (Commercial & Industrial): Supply of fuel products to commercial and industrial customers including mining, construction, agriculture, aviation, marine and transport sectors through direct sales and reseller network.
3. Lubricants Manufacturing & Sales: Manufacturing and supply of premium lubricants including Caltex, Havoline and Delo brands through own plant in Durban with 60 million litres annual capacity. Includes private label production.
4. Jet Fuel (Aviation): Supply of Jet A-1 turbine fuel to commercial airlines at major South African international airports. Fuel meets UK Ministry of Defence DEF STAN 91-091 and Joint Inspection Group standards.
5. Franchise & Licensing: Revenue from franchise fees and licensing arrangements with branded marketer programme franchisees and Caltex brand licensing arrangement with Chevron.
6. Bunkering Services: Marine bunkering operations providing refuelling services to vessels, including operations at Algoa Bay. Subject to regulatory compliance and tax requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Astron Energy refines crude oil at its 100,000 bbl/day Cape Town refinery and blends lubricants at its 60-million-litre Durban plant, producing petrol (including premium Quartech), diesel (Quartech D), Jet A-1 aviation fuel, LPG, and Havoline/Delo lubricants. Finished products are distributed through 15 national terminals to over 850 owned, licensed and franchise service stations across South Africa and Botswana, supported by direct commercial sales to mining, construction, agriculture, aviation, marine and transport customers.

Product overview

Astron Energy is a petroleum products company operating a vertically integrated business across refining and marketing. The core offering consists of refined petroleum products including Quartech-branded petrol and diesel (with proprietary 4-in-1 additive technology), Jet A-1 aviation fuel, and Caltex-licensed lubricants (Havoline, Delo). These products are distributed through a network of over 850 service stations across South Africa and Botswana, featuring FreshStop convenience stores. The company operates its own crude oil refinery in Cape Town (100,000 bbl/day capacity) and a lubricants manufacturing plant in Durban (60 million litres/year capacity). Customer engagement is supported through the Astron Energy Rewards loyalty programme, while the AEDF development fund supports SMME development in the value chain.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Quartech: Premium fuel additive technology used in Astron Energy petrol and diesel, marketed as providing anti-friction, anti-corrosion, anti-deposit, and anti-foam protection.
• Quartech D
• Astron Energy Rewards
• Astron Energy FleetCard

Products and services

• Quartech Fuel (Petrol)
• Quartech D Diesel
• Unadditised Diesel
• Jet A-1 Aviation Turbine Fuel
• Caltex Lubricants (Havoline, Delo)
• Astron Energy Service Station Network
• Cape Town Refinery (Milnerton)
• Durban Lubricants Manufacturing Plant
• FreshStop Convenience Stores
• Astron Energy Rewards Programme
• Astron Energy FleetCard
• Marine Bunkering Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Quartech fuel reduces foaming, enabling faster tank filling
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Simbine Classic / Akani SimbineflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 April 2026Tier 1 sponsorship of inaugural Simbine Classic Athletics Meet, South Africa's first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting. Event held April 2026 in Pretoria, attracting 120 elite athletes from Africa and international circuits. Aligns brand with elite athletics performance.
• Western Cape Disaster Management / eThekwini Disaster ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 July 2025Fire safety initiative installing over 500 early-warning smoke detectors in high-risk informal settlements across Cape Town and Durban. Includes multilingual fire safety training with disaster teams, community forums and firefighting volunteers.
• Silulo FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 August 2024Partnership through Astron Energy Development Fund to establish walk-in business and career centre in Dunoon. Foundation aims to bridge digital divide and empower communities through entrepreneurship and skills development. 240 entrepreneurs through 10-month programme, 600 youth in digital skills training over 3 years.
• FreshStop (Food Lover's Market Group)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 May 202410-year partnership extension agreement signed May 2024. FreshStop is South Africa's leading forecourt retail brand bringing 24-hour convenience to Astron Energy forecourts. Over 330 stores feature FreshStop with food offerings including Seattle Coffee Company, Crispy Chicken, Grill to Go. R830 million invested over 15 years with 7,000 new jobs created.
• Astron Energy Development Fund (AEDF)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 December 2022R220 million development fund launched December 2022 to empower small businesses in Astron Energy value chain and linked communities. Three flagship programmes: Growing Emerging Businesses, Small Business Support, and Growing Communities. Supports SMME development with preferential loans and business development support.
• Project IsizweflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 October 2022R1 million WiFi project providing free or affordable internet to Dunoon community near Milnerton refinery. 20 hotspots deployed with additional 20 planned. 4,500 learners and 150 educators get free uncapped internet. Community purchases WiFi from R5/day with hosts earning 20% profit.
• Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Established resource centre in Umlazi District of KwaZulu-Natal providing natural sciences, physical sciences and maths resources to teachers. Extended reach to over 20,000 learners in Durban area through Science2Go Mobile Resource Centre.
• Primary Science ProgrammecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Partnership addressing inequalities in science and mathematics education, working with over 1,300 teachers from 120 schools benefiting 100,000 learners in Western, Eastern and Northern Cape through teacher training, coaching, mentorship and resources.
• Chevron (Caltex Brand License)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2018Glencore acquired majority stake in former Chevron SA in 2018 and operates Caltex brand under license agreement. Chevron-linked products including Havoline and Delo lubricants continue during transition. Starcard/Access card products available at Caltex-branded sites.
• Standard Bank (UCount Rewards)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerLoyalty programme partnership where Standard Bank cardholders earn UCount Rewards points when filling up at Astron Energy. Members earn up to R10 back per litre based on tier level. Points redeemable at Astron Energy forecourts and FreshStop stores.
• ORT SA STEM AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership bringing robotics technology and coding to students in disadvantaged communities. Develops problem-solving skills and motivates careers in Science, Engineering and Technology. Focus on communities around Astron Energy facilities.
• Cape Town Science CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with 21 schools near Cape Town refinery to stimulate interest in science through interactive teaching methods, science quests and curriculum-based practical experiment kits. Supports Africa Code Week with over 500 students learning coding.
• Shine LiteracycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership addressing literacy challenges in South Africa where 78% of Grade 4 children cannot read for meaning. Provides study materials and helps improve literacy skills for learners.
• gold Youth Development AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHybrid non-profit and social enterprise championing youth-led change through peer education model. Partnership improves STEM outcomes and fosters social/economic change via micro enterprise incubation. Targets high schools and out-of-school youth.
• Northlink CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Northlink College for apprenticeship programme developing qualified artisans in industry-specific trades. Started 2018 as part of broader learning and development initiatives.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Vivo Energy: Vivo Energy is the pan-African retailer and distributor of Shell-branded fuels, owning Engen and Shell-branded networks across multiple African markets. Comparable in retail network scale, B2B fuel supply, lubricants, and African geographic expansion strategy.
• Puma Energy: Puma Energy is a multinational downstream fuel retailer with significant African presence, operating bulk storage, retail forecourts, and commercial fuel supply. Comparable in regional distribution footprint and customer base across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa.

Others

• Trafigura: Trafigura is a global commodities trader with significant marine bunkering operations in Algoa Bay alongside Astron Energy and Mercuria. Comparable in bunkering-specific activity and exposure to the same SARS tax enforcement dynamics highlighted in the regulatory actions data.

Direct peers

• Engen (Vivo Energy): Engen operates one of South Africa's largest petroleum retail networks alongside Astron Energy, with refining and lubricants operations and a strong convenience retail (Wimpy/Stop&Go) partnership. Direct competitor in forecourt retail, commercial fuel supply, and lubricants across Southern Africa.
• Sasol: Sasol is South Africa's largest integrated energy and chemicals company, operating its own refineries and a large retail forecourt network. Directly comparable to Astron Energy in refining capacity, downstream fuel marketing, and lubricants/chemicals exposure, with the added dimension of synfuel production.
• Shell South Africa: Shell operates a major downstream fuel and lubricants business in South Africa, including service stations, commercial fuel supply, and the Shell V-Power premium fuel range. Comparable in retail footprint, premium fuel branding strategy (akin to Quartech), and B2B fuel/lubricants operations.
• PetroSA: PetroSA is the South African state-owned oil and gas company, historically involved in refining (now largely converted to storage/import terminal) and gas production. Comparable in refining-to-terminal transition, regional fuel supply, and regulatory positioning as a domestic player in the same market.
• BP Southern Africa: BP is a global integrated oil major with retail forecourt operations in South Africa, including the BP Connect convenience format and Castrol lubricants. Direct competitor in retail fuel, convenience, aviation fuel supply, and lubricants, with similar regulatory and customer dynamics.
• TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa: TotalEnergies operates a retail and commercial fuel network across South Africa with branded forecourts and a Total Excellium premium fuel offering. Comparable in retail network, commercial fuel supply, and lubricants distribution, competing directly for both consumer and industrial customers.

Emerging players

• Fuchs Petrolub SE: Fuchs is a global lubricants specialist with manufacturing and distribution across multiple regions, competing in industrial and automotive lubricants. Comparable to Astron Energy's Durban lubricants plant output and its licensed Havoline/Delo range, though Fuchs operates without refining integration.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AstronEnergySA
• Facebookfacebook.com/astronenergy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/astron-energy-pty-ltd

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Astron Energy