Why Cato Gas & Oil?

Founded in 1960, Salisbury-based Cato Oil & Gas Co. is a leader in home and commercial heating and motor fuel supply. We’ve been proud to supply the region’s homes, farms, businesses and commercial operations with high-quality heating oil, propane gas and other fueling products that save our customers time and money for over 60 years. Our energy company’s diverse portfolio also includes commercial fleet management service, convenience stores, fast food restaurants and real estate development projects.

Our Company History

Elliot T. Cato came to Salisbury, Maryland and joined Roach Oil Company after working nineteen years for Texaco, Inc. in Virginia. He bought out his partner and renamed the company to Cato Incorporated, trading as Cato Oil Company in 1960. His son-in-law, Michael G. Abercrombie, joined the firm in 1969 and was President of the company from 1971 until 2002. Michael G. Abercrombie, Jr. joined the company in 1991, became President in 2002, and continues the family tradition today. When Cato began selling propane in 1998 it changed its name to Cato Incorporated, trading as Cato Gas & Oil company.

From the beginning, as a leader in the gasoline, heating oil and lubricants business, Cato has blossomed into a diversified energy company. The company’s core operations include fuel distribution; commercial fleet management; propane and heating oil products for residential, agricultural and commercial purposes; convenience stores; fast food restaurants and real estate development projects.

Cato takes an aggressive approach to keeping our environment safe by meeting and often exceeding the government regulations for our industry. Our company serves all of Maryland as well as portions of Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Our Wholesale Fuel Distribution division reaches throughout the North East.

Our Commitment to Community

Nothing means more to us than being proud members of our community. Our family business has deep roots in Delmarva, and we strongly believe in being good corporate citizens. Our company and employees volunteer regularly to support local non-profit organizations and community causes we believe in, everything from the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, first responders and local health care providers, to support for Science, Math, Engineering and Technology programs in local high schools. We know that when our neighbors and community succeed, our company succeeds.

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In The News

CATO provides donation to Selbyville Middle School

Salisbury-based Cato Gas & Oil and ExxonMobil have partnered to provide $500 checks to 15 area local schools to support their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs, including Selbyville Middle School.

Cato Gas & Oil donates to Phillip C. Showell Elementary

“Thank you so much for the generous donation to Phillip C. Showell. This donation will be used to help fund our STEM initiatives at PCS, including our robotics program. We are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Cato Gas & Oil” – Christy K., Showell (Phillip C.) Elementary School Principal

Cato Supports Schools | Maryland Coast Dispatch

Hoping to accelerate the careers of kids interested in science, technology, engineering and math, Salisbury-based Cato Gas & Oil Co. has awarded $500 checks to 15 area local schools to support their S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs.

Cato Gas & Oil donates to local schools to support STEM programs

Cato Gas and Oil Company announced they awarded 15 schools with $500 checks to support their STEM programs. Schools awarded include Berlin Intermediate School, Crisfield High School and Academy, North Salisbury Elementary School, Pemberton Elementary, and Parkside High School.