Murphy USA gas stations are owned by Murphy USA Inc, an independent publicly traded company that has not been owned by Walmart since it spun off in 2013.
Murphy USA is known for building small, low cost fuel stations next to Walmart supercenters, a strategy that helped it grow into one of the largest fuel retailers in the United States.
The company began as a division of Murphy Oil Corporation, which partnered with Walmart for two decades before spinning off its retail fuel stations into a separate public company in 2013.
But if Murphy USA started out tied to Walmart, why do people still assume Walmart owns the gas stations today?
This article will explore who actually owns Murphy USA, its history with Walmart, how the two companies still work together, and whether Murphy USA is a good place to fill up.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Murphy USA Gas Stations Today
Murphy USA Inc is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with details available on its official Murphy USA website.
Ownership is spread across individual and institutional shareholders who buy and sell Murphy USA stock, meaning no single company or family controls the brand.
Murphy USA operates thousands of stations nationwide, most branded simply as Murphy USA or Murphy Express, depending on the store format. Readers can see how another independently owned fuel brand compares in our guide on who owns Royal Farms gas stations.
Murphy USA’s History as a Murphy Oil Spinoff
Murphy USA began as the retail fuel division of Murphy Oil Corporation, an Arkansas based oil and gas company with roots dating back to the early 1900s.
Murphy Oil spun off its retail stations into the separate publicly traded Murphy USA Inc in 2013, a move detailed in company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The spinoff let Murphy Oil focus on exploration and production, while Murphy USA concentrated entirely on running fuel stations and convenience stores, a split described in detail on Wikipedia.
Is Murphy USA Still Connected to Walmart
Murphy USA’s original stations were built on land leased from Walmart, typically located in the parking lots of Walmart supercenters across the country.
That real estate partnership ended in 2016, when Walmart took over roughly 1,100 Murphy branded stations outside its stores rather than continuing to lease the sites to Murphy USA.
Despite ending the leasing arrangement, Murphy USA later joined Walmart Plus in 2020, offering member fuel discounts that keep the two brands loosely connected at the register.
Murphy USA vs Casey’s General Stores
Casey’s General Stores is another major fuel and convenience chain that competes with Murphy USA, though the two brands use very different business models.
Casey’s emphasizes food service, especially its pizza program, while Murphy USA sticks closer to a stripped down fuel first model with a smaller convenience store attached. Readers can compare that approach with our guide on who owns Sunoco gas stations, another fuel focused brand.
Murphy USA generally competes on price, often positioning itself as one of the cheapest fuel options in a given market by keeping overhead low.
Murphy USA’s Business Model and Store Format
Most Murphy USA stations are small kiosks focused primarily on fuel sales, with limited convenience store offerings compared to competitors like Casey’s or 7-Eleven.
The larger Murphy Express format includes a bigger convenience store with food and beverage options, similar in scope to the setup described in our guide on who owns Costco gas stations.
This lean operating model allows Murphy USA to keep prices low, which has become the core of its competitive strategy against larger convenience store chains.
Is Murphy USA a Good Gas Station Brand
Murphy USA consistently ranks among the cheapest fuel brands in markets where it operates, which drives strong customer loyalty among price conscious drivers.
Reviews of individual stations are generally positive for fuel quality, though the smaller kiosk format means fewer amenities than a full convenience store chain.
Overall, Murphy USA is considered a solid budget friendly option for fuel, especially for shoppers who are already stopping at a nearby Walmart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Murphy USA Gas Stations
Does Walmart own Murphy USA?
No, Walmart does not own Murphy USA. The two companies are separate and independently publicly traded, though they maintain a Walmart Plus fuel discount partnership.
When did Murphy USA separate from Murphy Oil?
Murphy USA spun off from Murphy Oil Corporation in 2013, becoming its own publicly traded company focused entirely on retail fuel stations.
Why are Murphy USA stations often near Walmart stores?
Murphy USA originally built its stations on land leased from Walmart parking lots, a strategy that helped the brand grow quickly before the leasing arrangement ended in 2016.
Is Murphy USA cheaper than other gas stations?
Murphy USA is generally known for offering some of the lowest fuel prices in the markets it serves, thanks to its low overhead kiosk store format.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.