Vietnamese petroleum retailer Petrolimex is planning to build a convenience-store chain.

After five years of research, the group plans to open stores across its network of 5200 gas locations across the country.

“Petrolimex will expand into this sector, each store will host 1500 to 2000 products,” a Petrolimex representative said during a conference.

“Our strategy partner JX Nippon Oil will support us to set up the chain in the most optimal way.”

Petrolimex has tested the industry with its P-Mart in Hanoi’s Hoai Duc district. The store only sells Petrolimex-branded products such as oils, and a limited range of snacks and beverages.

There is no official information if Petrolimex will base its chain on this concept or build a different one.

Stepping into the convenience-retailing sector, Petrolimex will compete with experienced players such as Circle K, 7-Eleven, VinMart + and FamilyMart, but none of those brands are affiliated with service stations.