Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-09 04:16Core Viewpoint - The restructuring of China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) and China Aviation Oil Group (CAOG) marks a significant shift in the domestic aviation fuel market, creating a powerful entity that connects refining to airport fuel sales, thereby reshaping competition in the sector [1][3]. Group 1: Restructuring Details - The restructuring was approved by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) and is the first major merger among oil and gas state-owned enterprises since the establishment of the National Oil and Gas Pipeline Group in December 2019 [1]. - Sinopec is the world's largest refining company and the second-largest chemical company, while CAOG is Asia's largest aviation fuel service provider [1][2]. Group 2: Market Implications - The merger is expected to reshape the competitive landscape of the domestic aviation fuel market, with CAOG gaining direct access to stable revenue streams from aviation fuel sales, while Sinopec strengthens its upstream supply chain [1][3]. - China's aviation fuel consumption is projected to grow significantly, with a 13% increase expected in 2024, reaching 39.28 million tons, and a forecast of 75 million tons by 2040 [3]. Group 3: Strategic Considerations - The merger aligns with global trends of vertical integration in the energy sector, enhancing the combined entity's strength in both upstream and downstream operations [4]. - The focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is critical, as it is seen as a key pathway for decarbonizing the aviation industry, with Sinopec being a pioneer in SAF production in China [5][6]. Group 4: Concerns and Challenges - There are concerns regarding market barriers that may arise from the merger, particularly for private SAF producers, as the new entity may leverage its integrated advantages to dominate the market [7]. - Other suppliers and airlines are apprehensive about potential reductions in market space and the impact on pricing power due to the consolidation of the largest supplier and distributor in the aviation fuel sector [7].