Cancel

Top tips

Repsol's history

Our origins (1927–1980)

CAMPSA was born in 1927: a joint venture aimed at managing the oil monopoly in Spain. This was the first of a series of milestones leading up to the creation of the Repsol Group.

The foundations for Spain’s advances in energy

After CAMPSA's foundation, another one followed that was of great importance for the energy sector in Spain: the National Institute of Industry (INI) was established as a holding company responsible for managing all of Spain's industrial enterprises, including CAMPSA.

Our technology center: Innovation that gives us an edge

In 1944, our first research center was opened on Calle Embajadores in Madrid aimed at preventing Spain from depending entirely on foreign sources for supplies and technology.

Repsol emerges as a premium lubricants brand

1947 was an important year for the Spanish oil industry. After being jointly managed for 20 years, the oil monopoly was reorganized and state participation in CAMPSA was reinforced. In 1951, the company REPESA was formed and launched a range of premium lubricants under the REPSOL brand.

Butane makes its way to Spanish households

On June 11th, 1957, the company Butano S.A. was founded with the aim to provide door-to-door butane gas delivery. The product stood out for its hassle-free installation, safety, and efficient performance.

First oil discovery in Spain

The 1960s were a defining period for growth in Spain’s energy sector. First and foremost, the private sector was given authorization to construct three refineries. This marked the first step towards developing the refining sector. In addition, in 1964 oil was discovered for the first time in La Lara in Burgos.

The Repsol Team, motorcycles racing in a black and white image

Branching into sports sponsorship

REPESA saw the world of motorsports as an ideal testing ground for its products, and so the idea of sponsorship came about. In 1971, Ángel Nieto claimed his first World Motorcycling Championship and in the process brought the Repsol brand onto the world stage.

Black and white photo of platform in the sea

Joining the International Energy Agency

In the 1970s, a series of milestones marked the beginning of energy expansion in Spain: the country became a member of the International Energy Agency, in 1971 the viability of the Casablanca reservoir in Tarragona was confirmed, and several years later the National Hydrocarbons Institute was established.

Learn more about our origins

The early years (1980–1997)

The Repsol Group emerged during Spain's negotiations to join the European Union. The decision to adopt the name of REPESA's premium lubricant brand, Repsol, was an easy one, as it was so well-known and easy to pronounce in other languages. The aim was to become a prestigious, leading brand recognized around the globe.

Image of an old refinery in a black and white photo

The REPSOL GROUP is born

In 1987, the National Hydrocarbons Institute (INH) created Repsol, S.A. as a result of the reorganization of the Spanish energy sector. The company was organized into five subsidiaries in order to carry out its main activities.

Image of the glass facade of the Repsol Campus

Privatization of the Company

In 1989, the first step was taken toward the company's privatization, a process that lasted eight years. This first step was signing a contract between INH, Repsol and BBV. The process wasn't finalized until April 1997, when it culminated in ones last IPO.

The Repsol Group's early years

International expansion and innovation (1997–2005)

During the following years, Latin America, North America, Africa and Russia became areas of expansion for the company. At this stage, we strengthened our various areas of activity, Upstream above all.

Acquisition of YPF
International expansion
Opening of the Repsol Technology Lab

A step forward in the international scene

Our definitive opening to the international market comes with the acquisition of Argentinian petrol company YPF in 1999. This synergy has resulted in a company with global reach and stronger strategic positioning.

Important agreements

During this time, key discoveries were announced in regions such as Libya, Spain, Argentina, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Indonesia. In 2009, we put into motion the Canaport LNG regasification project in Canada. In 2010, Repsol signed an agreement with Sinopect to undertake exploration and production operations in Brazil which made us one of the largest energy companies in Latin America.

A new technological era

The Repsol Technology Lab opened its doors for the first time in 2002 in order to bring together all the company's R&D activities under the same roof. It soon became a European benchmark due to its groundbreaking innovation of the projects.

Major milestones of this stage

A new stage of growth and value creation (2005–2020)

The acquisition of Talisman Energy, the presentation of our 2016–2020 Strategic Plan, and the inclusion of electricity and natural gas in our market offer are the milestones that have marked our latest stage of growth.

Learn more about the milestones of this stage