Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-09 22:24Core Viewpoint - The restructuring of China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) and China Aviation Oil Group is a strategic move approved by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), aiming to create the largest vertically integrated entity in the domestic aviation fuel sector, with a combined asset scale of nearly 2.8 trillion yuan [1][4][9]. Group 1: Company Overview - Sinopec is the largest supplier of refined oil and petrochemical products in China, recognized as the world's largest refining company and the second-largest chemical company, with a total number of gas stations ranking second globally [4]. - China Aviation Oil Group is the largest aviation fuel procurement, transportation, storage, testing, sales, and refueling service provider in Asia, supplying fuel to 258 transport airports and 454 general airports in China [4]. Group 2: Financial Metrics - In 2024, Sinopec reported an operating income of approximately 407.49 billion USD (about 2.93 trillion yuan) and total assets of around 375.39 billion USD (approximately 2.69 trillion yuan) [6]. - In the same year, China Aviation Oil Group had an operating income of about 33.45 billion USD (approximately 240.83 billion yuan) and total assets of around 10.59 billion USD (approximately 76.27 billion yuan) [7]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The merger is expected to lower aviation fuel supply costs, enhance the competitiveness of China's aviation fuel industry, and promote the green and low-carbon transition of the aviation sector [9][12]. - The integration of Sinopec and China Aviation Oil Group is anticipated to facilitate a more market-oriented development of the aviation fuel industry, potentially altering the competitive landscape [10]. Group 4: Industry Context - The restructuring reflects a broader trend of strategic and professional consolidation among central enterprises, with several other significant mergers occurring in various sectors [13][15]. - The move aligns with national goals for energy security and the dual carbon targets, emphasizing the need for a balance between enhancing state-owned enterprise competitiveness and deepening market reforms [16][17].