Introduction
The number of PEV vehicles has grown since 2008, but gasoline still dominates the market. If we consider rough estimates, there are only 570,000 plug-in electric vehicles in the U.S. On the other hand, there are 236 million gasoline-powered vehicles. This number shows how much Americans rely on gasoline rather than Plug-in Electric Vehicles. In 2013, nearly 153,000 retail stations remained in operation throughout the country to serve neighborhoods, customer needs, and commuter stops.
Today, Shell is a global energy brand, and Exxon Mobil is the leading oil company. With their extensive US reach and strong presence, these brands are popular for their fuel quality and strong brand recognition. In this research report, we will compare both Shell and Exxon Mobil side by side to provide a comprehensive overview of their locations in the US.
Industry Background
Starting in the early 1990s, Shell expanded nationwide. With a global brand presence, Shell focuses on sustainability. Shell has strong visibility and recognition with the creation of an eco-conscious image. Customers prefer this gas station because of its wide accessibility and loyalty rewards. Shell offers convenience services to all Americans while promoting its sustainability messaging. However, it suffers from ongoing consolidation and rebranding activities, which have strengthened competition from independents.
On the flip side, the company that became Exxon Mobil traces its roots to the Standard Oil Company, founded in 1870. It is the largest U.S. operator focused on hydrocarbon profitability. Exxon Mobil is a premium fuel brand, known for rewards, promotions, amenities, and reliability. This brand’s appeal is driven by innovation and targeted at the youth. Exxon Mobil expanded its business through mergers and developed a modernized station image. The independent rivals’ competitive pricing strategy puts pressure on fuel margins.
National Footprint Comparison
The table below provides a clear understanding of how Shell and Exxon Mobil differ from each other in terms of their total number of stations, states, and market coverage.
| Shell | Exxon Mobil |
| As of 2026, Shell operates 12,461 to 13,496 stations in the US. | Exxon Mobil has a total of 11,292 to 11,532 stations in the US. |
| Shell is the largest brand in 15 states in the U.S. | It is the largest brand in 9 states. |
| It has a broad Midwest presence. | The Exxon Mobil brand has a strong East Coast reach. |
| Shell consumer preference is high. | Exxon Mobil dominates in revenue. |
| Shell focuses on sustainability branding. | Exxon Mobil focuses on premium fuel innovation. |
The Shell vs Exxon Mobil comparison shows that Shell has more stations in the US compared to Exxon Mobil. Although there is no major difference in the number of locations of both brands, they are competing directly for market dominance. Even though Shell provides services in more US states than Exxon Mobil, Exxon Mobil remains a tough competitor, capitalizing on its long history and strong East Coast position.
Regional Distribution Patterns
The regional distribution aspects mentioned in the table below help you understand Shell and Exxon Mobil’s presence in the US.
| Regional Distribution | Brand Presence |
| Midwest dominance | Shell stronger presence |
| Northeast strength | Exxon Mobil dominance |
| West coast balance | Competitive equilibrium |
| Southeast coverage | Shell’s wider reach |
| Southern market | Exxon Mobil stronger base |
| Mountain states balance | Competitive equilibrium |
The table shows that Shell leads across the Midwest and Southeast by balancing a sustainable branding strategy with widespread accessibility, while Exxon Mobil has a stronger market presence in the Northeast and South, leveraging its premium fuel offerings. The above regional distribution table of Shell vs Exxon Mobil gas stations in the US indicates that the market in the West Coast and mountain states is in a competitive equilibrium.
Where are Shell gas stations located in the USA?
In this gas station location comparison Shell & Exxon Mobil report, we will examine the states and territories where Shell gas stations operate.
- Texas: 1,577
- California: 1,151
- Florida: 701
| State / Territory | Number of gas stations | Population | Population per gas station |
| Texas | 1,577 (13%) | 29.00M | 18.39K |
| California | 1,151 (9%) | 39.51M | 34.33K |
| Florida | 701 (6%) | 21.48M | 30.64K |
| Illinois | 658 (5%) | 12.67M | 19.26K |
| Georgia | 624 (5%) | 10.62M | 17.01K |
| Tennessee | 608 (5%) | 6.83M | 11.23K |
| North Carolina | 553 (4%) | 10.49M | 18.97K |
| Michigan | 423 (3%) | 9.99M | 23.61K |
| Ohio | 422 (3%) | 11.69M | 27.70K |
| Virginia | 383 (3%) | 8.54M | 22.29K |
In Texas, Shell has 1,577 gas stations, which means 13% of the total number of gas stations. If we focus on California, then it has 1,151 gas stations, which indicates 9% of the total number of gas stations in the US. Florida, on the flip side, covers 6% of total gas stations. The population of Texas is 29.00 million, and compared to the number of gas stations, it is 18.39K.
Cities With the Most Number of Shell Gas Stations in the US.
From the top cities mentioned in the table below, Houston, Chicago, and San Antonio cover the highest number of locations (283, 94, and 77, respectively). We will explore this in depth.
| City | State / Territory | Number of Locations |
| Houston | Texas | 283 |
| Chicago | Illinois | 94 |
| San Antonio | Texas | 77 |
| Austin | Texas | 71 |
| Dallas | Texas | 61 |
| Las Vegas | Nevada | 60 |
| Miami | Florida | 58 |
| Indianapolis | Indiana | 55 |
| San Diego | California | 52 |
| Nashville | Tennessee | 48 |
Houston’s infrastructure covers more ground due to high fuel demand. With its strong energy sector and diversified industrial hubs, this city provides a robust foundation. This data can be leveraged to analyze brand visibility and focus on strategic expansion. Chicago, Miami, and Indianapolis have a limited oil infrastructure and lower vehicle density compared to industry hubs like Houston. Therefore, these locations in the US are likely to have a smaller number of Shell gas stations. There are Shell stations at only 48 locations in Nashville, largely due to a smaller oil presence and a lack of a major refining base.
If we wish to open a new Shell station, then Texas can be considered because it is expanding with high driving demand; Florida is another option to serve tourism and commuters. Do you want to open a new filling station in these two states? Hire LocationsCloud to fulfill this need.
Where are Exxon Mobil gas stations located in the USA?
The report on the difference between Shell and Exxon Mobil gas station location comparison examines how they differ from each other. Let’s explore Exxon Mobil’s gas locations in the US states and territories.
- Texas: 1,955
- California: 1,010
- Florida: 749
| State / Territory | Number of gas stations | Population | Population per gas station |
| Texas | 1,955 (17%) | 29.00M | 14.83K |
| Florida | 1,010 (9%) | 21.48M | 21.27K |
| New York | 749 (7%) | 19.45M | 25.97K |
| Virginia | 682 (6%) | 8.54M | 12.52K |
| North Carolina | 619 (5%) | 10.49M | 16.94K |
| Michigan | 585 (5%) | 9.99M | 17.07K |
| California | 516 (5%) | 39.51M | 76.57K |
| Illinois | 444 (4%) | 12.67M | 28.54K |
| Tennessee | 403 (4%) | 6.83M | 16.95K |
| Massachusetts | 323 (3%) | 6.89M | 21.34K |
Like Shell, Exxon Mobil is dominating in Texas with 1,955 gas stations because of the high population in this state. However, our analysis of this population served per gas station shows there are 14,830 gas stations, representing only 17% of the total gas locations.
Shell gas stations are located in Florida and New York, with 1,010 (9%) and 749 (7%) locations, respectively. Based on population size, each station in Florida serves more people. For New York, Shell gas stations are fewer compared to the population (19,450,000), which means it has lower accessibility compared to Texas and Florida. Considering the Texas Exxon Mobil station for the new business is beneficial due to its high traffic volume.
Cities With the Most Number of Exxon Mobil Gas Stations in the U.S.
We are considering the top 10 cities in the US to research which city is best to start opening an Exxon Mobil station.
| City | State / Territory | Number of Locations |
| Houston | Texas | 207 |
| Dallas | Texas | 101 |
| Austin | Texas | 71 |
| Memphis | Tennessee | 70 |
| Miami | Florida | 69 |
| Charlotte | North Carolina | 67 |
| San Antonio | Texas | 62 |
| Fort Worth | Texas | 54 |
| Chicago | Illinois | 48 |
| Washington | District of Columbia | 48 |
If we check the Exxon Mobil gas station locations in the US, Houston (207), Dallas (101), and Austin (71) in Texas host the maximum number of petrol stations. Among all, Chicago and Washington have fewer gas stations (48).
Market Share & Competitive Landscape
Competitors like Chevron and BP operate smaller station networks than Shell and Exxon Mobil. Both Shell and Exxon Mobil have strong brand visibility, whereas other competitors do not. These reputed brands developed sustainability programs; however, BP and Chevron are lacking with slower eco adoption. While Chevron and BP focus on strategic EV charging expansion, competitors are facing a limited infrastructure issue.
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Conclusion
Shell vs Exxon Mobil: gas station density in the US is important to consider because both are the largest station networks in the US, with nationwide accessibility. Their dominant market share enables businesses associated with gas stations to analyze consumer fuel preferences. LocationsCloud is one of the best companies that provides accurate and comprehensive datasets of location intelligence for your business to get real-time location information across any digital platform.
FAQs
How many Shell gas stations are in the United States?
There are 12,461 Shell gas station locations in the United States.
How many Exxon Mobil gas stations are in the United States?
In the United States, there are a total of 11,292 Exxon Mobil gas stations.
Which states have more Shell gas stations compared to Exxon Mobil?
Texas has more Shell gas stations compared to Exxon Mobil.
Who is Shell’s biggest competitor?
Shell’s biggest competitor is Exxon Mobil.
