1942
Through the Years
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership
Arguindegui Oil Company was founded in October 1942 by Peter R. Arguindegui, Sr., after he was awarded the Continental Oil Company Commission Agency to serve Laredo, Texas, and the surrounding area. With two decades of experience managing the local Mobil Agency, Peter Sr. brought deep knowledge, a tireless work ethic, and a commitment to integrity. Alongside his wife, Marina, and a small team, he quickly earned a reputation for dependable service and honest business practices. These founding principles continue to guide us today.
1950
Through the Years
Service, Education, and a Family Legacy
Peter Arguindegui, Jr., a 1953 graduate of Texas A&M University, joined the company in 1956, followed shortly after by his brother Charles, a 1955 Texas A&M graduate, who joined their father and brother in the business. Together, they oversaw the purchase of a centrally located property next to the railroad hub, which became the Arguindegui Oil Companies terminal distribution and warehouse in Chihuahua. The company continued its expansion in the Laredo real estate market, acquiring prime properties along major thoroughfares, including the IH 35 corridor, Park, Interstate, HW 59, Saunders, Guadalupe Avenue, and HWY 83. These strategic land acquisitions were developed into full-service fuel stations, positioning the company for long-term growth and enhanced service across the region.
1970
Through the Years
The Arguindegui Brothers: Driving Success Since 1970
In 1970, Peter Arguindegui, Jr. became President and CEO, and Charlie Arguindegui was named Executive Vice President, launching a new era of growth. Peter, Jr. guided the company with vision and civic involvement, while Charlie led expansion in lubricants and chemicals, earning national recognition as a top Conoco distributor. Together, they diversified into convenience-store marketing and unattended fueling, which helped the company win the 1997 Dupont Marketing Excellence Award. Their leadership reinforced Arguindegui Oil’s reputation for innovation, integrity, and dedicated community service.
1980
Through the Years
Strategic Growth Through Real Estate and Innovation
In the early 1980s, while continuing to grow the wholesale fuel division, Peter Jr. and Chale led the company into new territory by diversifying into convenience-store marketing and developing unattended fueling facilities. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Arguindegui Oil Companies continued investing in real estate to meet the demands of the evolving convenience store market, transforming alongside the introduction of self-service gasoline pumps and strategically targeting high-traffic corners and key locations across the city. This expansion culminated in the gradual acquisition of a 56-acre property at HWY 359 and Loop 20, where the company established its new Terminal and Distribution Center in 2003. Today, the remaining acreage of this site is reserved for a future large-scale real estate development, ensuring continued growth opportunities for the company.
2002
Through the Years
60 Years of Growth, Partnership, and Purpose
In celebration of its 60th year in business, Arguindegui Oil Companies proudly welcomed both second and third-generation family members, along with long-standing business partners, including ConocoPhillips and Valero. This milestone underscored the company’s deep roots and enduring partnerships within the fuel and energy industry. As part of the occasion, Conoco honored Alfonso Arguindegui with the DuPont Management Business Scholarship, enabling his participation in the Minority Business Executive Program at the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. This recognition further strengthened the company’s commitment to diversity, leadership development, and its continued role as a proud minority-owned business.
2025
Through the Years
In May 2025, Illan Arguindegui, a fourth-generation leader in the company, was named President of Arguindegui Oil Companies. Just months later, in August, we proudly introduced our new name and branding, transitioning from Arguindegui Oil Companies to ARG Petro. This change reflects our commitment to modernizing our image, aligning with our evolving company culture, and making our name easier to recognize and remember. While our look has evolved, our dedication to exceptional service, strong partnerships, and the values that have guided us since 1942 remain at the heart of everything we do.


