Core Viewpoint - The recent sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on Russian oil companies, particularly Lukoil PJSC, have significant implications not only for Moscow but also for small American business owners operating Lukoil-branded gas stations in the US, leading to financial uncertainty and operational challenges [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of Sanctions - The sanctions on Lukoil PJSC are affecting small business owners in the US, who are now facing operational difficulties due to banks and credit-card companies being hesitant to engage with them, resulting in some stations being forced to accept cash only [3][4]. - Franchise owners expressed their concerns during a meeting, highlighting feelings of abandonment by the US government and the potential destruction of their businesses [4][5]. Group 2: Business Background - Lukoil entered the US market in 2000 by acquiring Getty Petroleum Marketing, marking the first purchase of a publicly traded US company by a Russian corporation [6]. - The company expanded its presence by acquiring and rebranding Mobil stations from ConocoPhillips, at one point owning over 1,000 sites, but has since reduced that number to fewer than 200 [6].
US Lukoil Gas Station Owners Left in Limbo Over Russia Sanctions