This master`s dissertation has the objective of sharing the results of an investigation about the strategic implications of alliances and relationship networks established in the downstream sector, fuel distribution area, in Brazil, which earns the highest revenues and pays the highest taxes. First, we present theoretical issues pertinent to the research on alliances and strategic networks, including alliances typologies, in addition to theories on the capacities of these alliances to leverage opportunities and neutralize industry level threats. Besides that, it was considered conceptual models and other tools to conduct strategic analysis through the relational view, that is, related to the alliances and networks constituted by these. Following that, in accordance with Yin`s case study methodology, a strategic triangulation of methods was adopted. Therefore, data was collected through documental investigation, surveys of management perception and, in some cases, participative observation. With the results attained in the ambit of multiple case-studies, it was evidenced that the relational view, that is the one which takes into account strategic implications from the networks, adds value to traditional analysis, contributing with new insights on the strategic decision making of these companies.