MEXICO CITY, March 10 (Xinhua) -- British oil giant BP is planning to have 500 gas stations in Mexico in 2018, which would more than triple the current amount it operates in the Latin American country, the company announced Friday.
The company has 161 gas stations in the Mexican market after one year of operation, said Alvaro Granada, its director general of fuels.
"The Mexican market represents for BP a big opportunity to continue our expansion plans at a global level," Granada told a press conference, without specifying the amount of investment required.
Last year, BP became the first international company to enter the Mexican gas station sector after it was opened up to competition.
BP is planning to operate 1,500 gas stations in Mexico by 2021, eyeing a market share of 15 percent.
"Half of the global growth for BP in the gas stations business will happen in Mexico," said Granada. "This sends a very clear message about the confidence and interest BP has in Mexico."
