The fuel industry is often viewed through the lens of simple pump prices, but behind every gallon is a complex web of global conflict, regulatory “boutique” blends, and high-speed logistics. Abed Aish, COO of Double AA Corporation, joins us to pull back the curtain on how energy distributors are staying resilient in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Oil prices have remained unexpectedly stable in 2026 despite Middle East tensions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict — Abed attributes this to weakened global demand, particularly from China
- Pure EV adoption is cooling due to high depreciation and rising electricity costs; the bigger disruption to fuel demand is hybrids achieving 60+ miles per gallon
- Double AA Corporation was founded 40 years ago by Abed’s father Wisfei — Abed’s leadership approach is built on respecting the founder’s capital and outworking everyone in the room, including his father
- AI cannot produce gasoline but it can optimise everything around it — Double AA uses AI to streamline logistics, financing, and operations, replacing expensive SaaS subscriptions with custom-built tools
- Every business partnership and investment decision should be entered with a pre-agreed exit strategy — protecting professional relationships requires knowing the value of an asset and when to act on it
The Oil Price Paradox
Despite escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, oil prices have remained surprisingly stable—hovering around half of the $100-per-barrel mark many analysts predicted.
“To me, what it says is just demand as a whole is not there… China’s buying has slowed down, and the price is reflecting that weak global demand.”
EVs vs. Hybrids: The Real Threat to Gas Stations?
While California is often seen as the epicenter of the EV movement, Abed observes a cooling trend in pure electric vehicle adoption due to high depreciation and rising electricity costs.
- The “Disgusting” Depreciation: Abed notes that while EVs had a “moment,” their lack of value retention is a major deterrent for long-term owners.
- The Hybrid Surge: The real disruption isn’t the car that uses no gas; it’s the hybrid getting 60+ miles per gallon. This efficiency “takes it on the chin” for fuel demand, though it doesn’t eliminate the need for gas stations entirely.
Leading in the Shadow of a Founder
Double AA Corporation was founded 40 years ago by Abed’s father, Wisfei. For many second-generation leaders, the urge is to take the wheel immediately. Abed’s approach is different: Respect and Grit.
- The “Boss” Mindset: Abed recognizes that it is his father’s capital and legacy on the line. By letting the founder lead and focusing on being the hardest worker in the room, Abed has fostered a culture of respect rather than fear.
- Outworking the Competition: “My biggest competitor is my dad. I try to outwork him every day, and the rest of the team sees that and follows along.”
AI: Not Just for Tech Startups
You can’t use AI to “produce” gasoline, but Abed is using it to optimize everything else. Based in the heart of the Bay Area, Double AA Corporation leverages AI models to streamline logistics, financing, and operational workflows. Abed’s advice to new entrepreneurs? Stop paying for $600/month subscriptions. Use AI to build your own tools, websites, and scheduling platforms. Invest that “subscription money” back into your own education and equity.
The Golden Rule: The Exit Strategy
Whether you’re starting a business with high school friends or investing in a new retail site, Abed insists on one professional pillar: Always have an exit strategy. Knowing what an asset is worth and having a plan for when it reaches that value prevents emotional decision-making and protects personal relationships when business paths eventually diverge.
Another MENA family business story BTW has covered is that of Wissam Mehyou of Mehyou Group, whose conversation on legacy and innovation makes for a compelling companion read.
FAQ
Q: Why have oil prices remained stable despite Middle East conflict in 2026? According to Abed Aish, COO of Double AA Corporation, the stability reflects weak global demand rather than supply resilience. China’s purchasing has slowed significantly, and that demand drop is keeping prices in check regardless of geopolitical pressure. The supply disruption narrative has not translated into the price spike many analysts predicted.
Q: Are electric vehicles actually threatening the fuel distribution industry? Abed argues the more immediate threat is not full EVs but fuel-efficient hybrids. While EV adoption has plateaued — partly due to poor resale value and higher electricity costs — hybrids delivering 60+ miles per gallon are meaningfully reducing fuel consumption per vehicle. Gas stations are not disappearing, but volume per customer is declining.
Q: How is Double AA Corporation using AI in a traditional fuel distribution business? The company uses AI to optimise logistics routing, financing workflows, and internal operational processes. Abed’s practical advice: stop paying for multiple expensive software subscriptions and use AI tools to build custom solutions instead. The capital saved goes back into the business and owner equity rather than third-party platforms.
Q: What does it mean to lead a family business founded by your father? For Abed, it means prioritising respect over authority. His father Wisfei’s capital and 40-year legacy are on the line, so Abed focuses on being the hardest worker in the building rather than asserting control. The culture that creates — one of grit rather than hierarchy — is what he credits for team cohesion.
Q: Why is having an exit strategy essential for business partnerships? Abed applies this principle to every business relationship, from co-founded ventures to real estate investments. An exit strategy agreed upfront removes emotion from future decisions — it defines what success looks like and what triggers a sale or separation, protecting both the business and the personal relationships behind it.
About the Host, Navin Shetty
I’m Navin Shetty, a B2B business leader, entrepreneur, and the host of The PowerTalk Show. I specialize in crafting data-driven strategies that supercharge lead generation and elevate brand awareness for startups and established businesses. As the founder of Business Talks Weekly, I curate actionable insights to help leaders stay ahead of the curve.
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