Approved Oil recently secured a “landmark” fuel terminal agreement with rapidly expanding energy distributor Sunoco, guaranteeing the company’s supply capabilities within New York City into the 2040s.

As the city’s terminal infrastructure continues to contract, the strategic partnership stabilizes the supply chain for Approved Oil’s wholesale and retail partners while addressing the region’s growing need for resilient fuel distribution. The long-term pact resolves a period of operational uncertainty for the family-owned supplier, directly addressing industry-wide logistical challenges and prompting leadership to emphasize the broader impact.

“This is much bigger than securing a terminal location,” Approved Oil CEO Vincent Theurer said in a LinkedIn post. “It is about advancing our future in New York, standing behind our customers, and continuing to invest in the infrastructure that keeps many industries moving.”

Sustaining New York’s energy operations

Reliable terminal access remains essential for distributors and independent fuel retailers to manage operations, plan for the future, and stay competitive in the evolving metropolitan energy market. Approved Oil maintains that traditional heating oil, diesel, and other liquid fuels are still crucial for residential and commercial heating, emergency power, and construction throughout the city.

This infrastructure preservation builds on Approved Oil’s recent sustainability efforts, notably a multi-year contract awarded in 2023 by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Under that agreement, the company supplies renewable diesel to major New York City agencies, including the NYPD, FDNY, and the Department of Sanitation, supporting the city’s green objectives.

“We faced a serious challenge to operations in New York City, and we were determined not to let that challenge define our future—or our customers’ future," Theurer noted. “We beat the odds and secured more than a new location, but a long-term foundation for serving New York City.”

Sunoco’s supply chain consolidation

For Sunoco, securing long-term terminal agreements aligns with an aggressive growth strategy rapidly reshaping North American fuel logistics. Empowered by robust financial performance, the Dallas-based limited partnership is executing a multi-year plan targeting at least $500 million annually in bolt-on acquisitions.

Sunoco’s network already encompasses approximately 14,000 miles of pipeline and over 160 terminals. The company recently expanded this footprint through several massive acquisitions:

• Parkland Corporation: In November 2025, Sunoco closed a $9.1 billion acquisition of the Canadian fuel distributor, officially making it the largest independent fuel distributor in the Americas.
• Offen Petroleum: In August 2026, Sunoco agreed to a $600 million all-cash purchase of Colorado-based Offen, absorbing a logistics-focused network that delivers approximately 2.5 billion gallons of fuel annually across the American West and Midwest.
• Jernigan Oil: Earlier in 2026, Sunoco Retail acquired Jernigan’s convenience retail division, adding 56 Duck Thru Food Stores across North Carolina and Virginia.

“Liquid motor fuels will continue to be an important part of the economy, and we’re going to be a critical link in executing that for our customers and suppliers, and have a strong employee pool to do it,” Offen CEO Bill Gallagher previously told Bulk Transporter.