Energy sector’s top 100 brands reach $688bn in value, led by Shell and PetroChina

Global energy brands are showing resilience in the face of shifting market dynamics, but it’s the Middle East that’s setting the pace. According to the Energy 100 2025 report by leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance, the combined value of the world’s top 100 energy brands has reached $688.6 billion, with Middle Eastern brands growing ten times faster than the global average.

The Energy 100 report, launched for the first time this year, ranks the world’s most valuable and strongest oil & gas and utility brands based on comprehensive financial and brand performance analysis. The results paint a picture of a sector in transition, where clean energy, digital innovation, and strategic leadership are defining the winners.

Shell leads globally, despite 10% dip

At the top of the oil & gas table is Shell, with a brand value of $45.4 billion. Despite a 10% decline, Shell remains the world’s most valuable oil & gas brand for the 11th year running. Notably, it is also ranked the strongest oil & gas brand globally, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.5/100 and an AAA rating. Shell’s focus on LNG and transitional fuels has reinforced its position as a market leader in a decarbonising world.

Aramco holds second place globally, with a steady brand value of $41.7 billion and a robust AAA- rating. The Saudi energy giant has maintained brand strength despite volatile oil prices, thanks to continued investment and stable leadership.

PetroChina rounds out the top three, growing 17% to $33.3 billion, while ExxonMobil and PETRONAS trail closely in brand strength rankings.

ADNOC see explosive growth

While global oil & gas brand value rose 4% overall, Middle Eastern brands posted a 22% surge, reaching $71.3 billion in collective value.

Leading the charge is ADNOC, which jumped to sixth place in the global oil & gas rankings with a brand value of $19 billion, overtaking bp and TotalEnergies. ADNOC also ranks as the fifth strongest oil & gas brand worldwide.

At the centre of ADNOC’s transformation is HE Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Managing Director and Group CEO, who once again retains his position as the top-ranked Brand Guardian in the sector. Brand Finance’s Brand Guardianship Index evaluates CEOs for their role in building long-term brand value. Since taking the reins in 2016, HE has repositioned ADNOC as a technology-forward and sustainability-driven energy powerhouse.

Other fast-rising Middle Eastern energy brands include:

• Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) – brand value up 7% to $4.7 billion
• Qatar Energy – up 27% to $4.0 billion
• Saudi Electricity Company – up 30% to $1.9 billion, ranking 34th among utility brands

China dominates utilities, Asia rising

The utility space is led by State Grid Corporation of China, with a brand value of $85.6 billion, up 20% year-on-year. It also holds the title of strongest energy brand overall, scoring 92.6/100 on BSI and earning an AAA+ rating.

Asia continues to expand its footprint in the energy sector. Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional and Indonesia’s PLN now rank second and third respectively in utility brand strength, with both achieving AAA ratings.

Innovation and net-zero strategies key to brand growth

According to Brand Finance’s Senior Director Savio D’Souza, the rapid growth in Middle Eastern and Asian brands reflects a broader shift. “The integration of oil, gas, and utilities under one lens highlights how energy narratives are evolving. Innovation, sustainability, and strategic leadership are now central to brand value creation,” he said.

With energy demand on the rise and decarbonisation targets looming, the most successful brands in 2025 are those that combine strong leadership with a clear commitment to clean growth, technology, and transparency.