Marathon Petroleum

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A major American petroleum refining, fuel marketing, and midstream infrastructure company.

Last updated October 7, 2026

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Overview

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is an American energy company focused on petroleum refining, fuel marketing, transportation, storage, and related midstream activities. Headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, the company operates primarily in the United States and is one of the country’s largest refining businesses. Its activities span crude-oil processing, production of transportation fuels and other refined products, wholesale and branded fuel marketing, renewable-fuels infrastructure, and logistics assets. MPC also owns a controlling general-partner interest and a substantial limited-partner interest in MPLX LP, a publicly traded midstream partnership associated with the transportation, storage, gathering, processing, and fractionation of hydrocarbons. The company’s modern corporate identity dates from 2009, when Marathon Petroleum Corporation was formed as a subsidiary of Marathon Oil Corporation. Marathon Oil subsequently separated its downstream business through a 2011 spin-off, distributing MPC shares to Marathon Oil shareholders. The separation created an independently listed company centered on refining, marketing, and transportation, while Marathon Oil continued as an exploration and production business. MPC’s historical roots are considerably older than its corporate formation. The company traces lineage to The Ohio Oil Company, established in Lima, Ohio, in 1887 by a combination of smaller Ohio oil businesses. Ohio Oil became an important regional producer, was acquired by the Standard Oil Trust in 1889, and later returned to independent status after the 1911 breakup of Standard Oil. Over subsequent decades, the business expanded from oil production into refining, pipelines, storage, and branded retail marketing. Acquisitions brought the Marathon name into the organization and helped create the downstream platform that later became Marathon Petroleum. A major predecessor was Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC, formed in 1998 through the combination of the refining operations of Marathon Oil and Ashland Inc. Ashland sold its interest in the venture to Marathon in 2005, leaving the downstream operation wholly owned by Marathon Oil. The predecessor’s portfolio included refineries, terminals, pipelines, fuel brands, and retail operations. Marathon also developed the Speedway convenience-store business, which was later separated and sold. MPC expanded substantially through acquisitions and capital projects. A large Garyville, Louisiana, refinery expansion completed in 2009 increased the facility’s capacity by approximately 180,000 barrels per day. In 2013, MPC acquired significant assets from BP, including the Texas City refinery, distribution terminals, and retail marketing contracts. The 2018 acquisition of Andeavor transformed the company into a national refining and marketing operator, adding Western U.S. refineries, logistics assets, the ARCO brand, and a wider retail footprint. The transaction made MPC the largest U.S. petroleum-refining operator at that time by aggregate capacity. MPC later pursued portfolio simplification. It announced the separation of Speedway, its convenience-store and retail-fuel business, and agreed to sell Speedway to Seven & i Holdings. The transaction closed in May 2021. MPC therefore remains principally a refining, wholesale marketing, branded fuel, and midstream company, while Speedway is no longer part of its operating portfolio. Its branded network continues to include Marathon and, following the Andeavor combination, ARCO locations in portions of the United States. The company also maintains renewable-fuels and feedstock-related facilities alongside its conventional petroleum operations.

History

Marathon Petroleum’s corporate history combines an older Ohio oil lineage with a modern downstream spin-off. Its roots reach back to 1887, when several small Ohio oil companies joined to form The Ohio Oil Company in Lima. The company became a leading producer in Ohio and was acquired by the Standard Oil Trust in 1889. Its headquarters moved to Findlay in 1895. In 1906, it built an early pipeline linking facilities in Illinois and Indiana, establishing a pattern of combining petroleum production with transportation infrastructure. After the U.S. Supreme Court required the dissolution of Standard Oil under the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1911, Ohio Oil again operated independently. It expanded beyond Ohio, entered refining, and acquired additional oil fields and downstream facilities. In 1924, it discovered oil in Texas and acquired Lincoln Oil Refining Company, including a refinery and 17 Indiana service stations. Later acquisitions brought refineries, storage facilities, filling stations, and the Marathon product name into the business. The immediate predecessor of MPC was Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC, created in 1998 through the combination of Marathon Oil’s refining operations and Ashland Inc.’s downstream business. The combination also brought together the Speedway and SuperAmerica convenience-store networks. Ashland sold its interest to Marathon in 2005, after which the downstream business became wholly owned by Marathon Oil. The business used the marketing slogan “Fueling the American Spirit” from 2006 and introduced STP-branded additives into its fuel program during the same period. MPC was formed as a Marathon Oil subsidiary on November 9, 2009. That year it completed a major expansion at its Garyville refinery in Louisiana, adding approximately 180,000 barrels per day of capacity. In 2010, it sold the St. Paul Park refinery and related logistics assets, together with 166 SuperAmerica convenience stores, to Northern Tier Energy. On June 30, 2011, Marathon Oil completed the spin-off of MPC by distributing MPC shares to its own shareholders. Following independence, MPC expanded its marketing territory and asset base. In 2012, an agreement with Tri-State Petroleum converted 50 stations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia to the Marathon brand. In 2013, MPC acquired BP’s Texas City refinery, four light-product distribution terminals, and retail marketing contracts for approximately 1,200 southeastern stations. In 2014, Speedway acquired Hess Corporation’s retail operations, extending the Marathon-related retail presence into the Northeast. The most consequential expansion occurred in 2018, when MPC agreed to acquire Andeavor for approximately $23 billion. The transaction closed on October 1 and added Western U.S. refineries, logistics assets, retail marketing operations, and the ARCO brand. The combination made MPC a national refining and fuel-marketing company and substantially increased its aggregate refining capacity. MPC subsequently refocused its portfolio. In 2019 it announced plans to separate Speedway and disclosed the planned retirement of chairman and chief executive Gary Heminger. In 2020, it agreed to sell Speedway to Seven & i Holdings for approximately $21 billion; the sale closed in May 2021. MPC’s continuing business is centered on refining, wholesale and branded fuel marketing, logistics, renewable-fuels facilities, and its interest in MPLX. Its operating history also includes major safety and litigation events, including the 2016 Galveston Bay refinery fire and the 2023 Garyville refinery fire.

2021
Speedway is sold
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
Seven & i Holdings completes its acquisition of Speedway, ending MPC’s ownership of the convenience-store chain.
2018
Andeavor acquisition closes
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
The completed transaction expands MPC into the Western United States and adds the ARCO brand.
2013
BP asset acquisition
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
MPC acquires BP’s Texas City refinery, distribution terminals, and southeastern retail marketing contracts.
2011
Corporate spin-off from Marathon Oil
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
Marathon Oil distributes MPC shares to its shareholders, separating the downstream company from the exploration and production business.
2009
Marathon Petroleum Corporation is formed
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
MPC is incorporated as a subsidiary of Marathon Oil, while the Garyville refinery expansion is completed.
2005
Marathon gains full ownership of the downstream business
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
Ashland sells its interest in Marathon Ashland Petroleum, leaving the operation wholly owned by Marathon Oil.
1998
Marathon Ashland Petroleum is formed
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
Marathon Oil and Ashland combine their refining operations to create Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC.
1906
First oil pipeline
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
The predecessor company builds a pipeline connecting facilities in Martinsville, Illinois, and Preble, Indiana.
1889
Acquisition by the Standard Oil Trust
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
The Ohio Oil Company is acquired by the Standard Oil Trust.
1887
The Ohio Oil Company is established
[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
Several Ohio oil companies combine to form The Ohio Oil Company in Lima, creating an important predecessor to Marathon Petroleum.

Products and positioning

One of the largest U.S. refining and fuel-marketing companies, combining a substantial downstream refining system with integrated logistics and midstream interests.

Refined petroleum products
Gasoline
Gasoline is one of MPC’s principal refinery outputs and is sold through wholesale channels and branded marketing networks. Marathon-branded and ARCO-branded stations distribute gasoline in markets across the United States, while unbranded product is supplied to other fuel marketers and commercial customers.
Refined petroleum products
Diesel fuel
MPC produces and markets diesel fuel for trucking, commercial transportation, industrial use, and other distillate markets. Production is integrated with its refinery system and distribution infrastructure, including terminals, pipelines, rail, barges, and other transportation assets.
Refined petroleum products
Jet fuel
Jet fuel is produced by MPC’s refining operations and marketed to aviation-related customers and distributors. It forms part of the company’s broader slate of transportation fuels derived from crude-oil processing.
Refined petroleum products
Asphalt
Asphalt and asphalt-related products are among the heavier products generated and marketed by MPC’s refining system. They serve road construction, paving, roofing, and related infrastructure applications.
Renewable energy products
Renewable fuels
MPC operates renewable-fuels and feedstock-related facilities, including renewable-fuels production and pretreatment assets and a soybean-processing facility. These operations complement its conventional refining portfolio and support the production or preparation of lower-carbon fuel inputs.
Fuel marketing
Marathon and ARCO branded fuels
Marathon and ARCO are MPC’s principal branded fuel identities. The Marathon network has historic strength in the Midwest and Southeast, while the 2018 Andeavor acquisition expanded the company’s national reach and added ARCO, particularly in Western markets.

Controversies

2023
Garyville refinery fire
A fire at the Garyville refinery in Louisiana led to precautionary evacuations of nearby residents and some schools because of concerns about air quality. The available reference material does not establish a final cause or full legal outcome.
Source
2016
Galveston Bay refinery fire and litigation
A fire at the Galveston Bay refinery in Texas City injured three contract workers. Multiple lawsuits were filed, and the matter was reportedly resolved through an $86 million settlement.
Source

2006Fueling the American Spirit
United States
MPC’s predecessor adopted the “Fueling the American Spirit” positioning as it emphasized employees, work ethic, and the company’s role in supplying American transportation and industry.
Outcome. Used as a principal marketing slogan during the company’s downstream-branding period.
Source

Brand decisions

2020
Sell Speedway to Seven & i HoldingsM&A
Background
After announcing a Speedway separation, MPC selected Seven & i Holdings as the buyer for the retail and convenience-store business.
Action taken
MPC agreed to sell Speedway for approximately $21 billion, subject to regulatory approval and closing conditions.
Aftermath
The transaction closed on May 14, 2021, and Speedway ceased to be part of MPC.
Transaction value. (2020 announced; 2021 completed)
Source
2019
Separate SpeedwayStrategy
Background
MPC announced a portfolio review and sought to focus more directly on refining, fuel marketing, and midstream activities.
Action taken
The company announced plans to spin off or otherwise separate Speedway and disclosed the planned retirement of chairman and chief executive Gary Heminger.
Aftermath
MPC ultimately sold Speedway to Seven & i Holdings rather than retaining it within the company.
Source
2018
Acquire AndeavorM&A
Background
MPC sought to expand its refining and marketing footprint beyond its traditional Midwestern and Southeastern markets.
Action taken
MPC agreed to acquire Andeavor for approximately $23 billion; the transaction closed on October 1, 2018.
Aftermath
The deal added Western refineries, logistics infrastructure, the ARCO brand, and broader national marketing coverage.
Transaction value. (2018)
Source

Recent events

2024
Maryann Mannen became Marathon Petroleum president and chief executive officer[3]Maryann Mannen became Marathon Petroleum president and chief executive officermarathonpetroleum.com
Leadership change
Maryann T. Mannen became president in January 2024 and assumed the chief executive officer role in August 2024, succeeding Gary Heminger in the top executive position.
2023
Marathon Petroleum acquired a minority interest in LF Bioenergy[4]Marathon Petroleum acquired a minority interest in LF Bioenergyprnewswire.com
M&A
The company announced the acquisition of a 49.9 percent interest in LF Bioenergy, an emerging United States renewable natural gas producer, supporting a lower-carbon investment strategy.
2021
Speedway sale closes[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
M&A
The sale of Speedway to Seven & i Holdings was completed on May 14, 2021, removing the convenience-store chain from MPC’s portfolio.
2020
Marathon Petroleum announces Speedway sale to Seven & i Holdings[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
M&A
MPC announced that Seven & i Holdings would acquire Speedway for approximately $21 billion, subject to regulatory review and closing conditions.
2019
Marathon Petroleum announces Speedway separation[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
M&A · Leadership change
MPC announced plans to separate Speedway, its convenience-store and retail-fuel subsidiary, as part of a strategy to focus more directly on refining, marketing, and midstream operations.
2018
Marathon Petroleum agrees to acquire Andeavor[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
M&A
MPC announced a transaction valued at approximately $23 billion to acquire Andeavor. The deal expanded MPC’s refining, logistics, and branded marketing presence across the Western United States.
2018
Andeavor merger closes[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
M&A
The Andeavor combination was completed on October 1, making MPC the largest U.S. petroleum-refining operator by the aggregate capacity described in contemporaneous company and reference materials and adding the ARCO brand to its portfolio.
2018
Marathon Petroleum completed its acquisition of Andeavor[5]Marathon Petroleum completed its acquisition of Andeavorcsnews.com
M&A
Marathon Petroleum Corporation closed its acquisition of Andeavor, expanding its refining, marketing, and logistics footprint across the United States and ending Andeavor’s separate public-company status.
2013
Marathon Petroleum acquires major BP refining and marketing assets[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
M&A
MPC acquired BP assets that included the Texas City refinery, distribution terminals, and marketing contracts covering approximately 1,200 retail stations in the southeastern United States.
2011
Marathon Petroleum completes separation of Marathon Oil downstream business[1]Marathon Petroleumen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Marathon Oil distributed shares of Marathon Petroleum Corporation to its shareholders in a corporate spin-off, establishing MPC as an independently listed downstream energy company.

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