At the start of 2024, many believed that the UK had reached ‘peak auto fuel’. With EV registrations climbing, diesel volumes declining, and government policy aligned around net zero, it seemed inevitable that petrol and diesel demand would begin a permanent slide.
But EdgeData’s August 2025 Roadside Retail Report reveals a different reality. Far from collapsing, fuel demand has proven to be remarkably resilient and, in some cases, it’s still growing.
A Summer of Surprises
This year has already brought its share of volatility. Oil price shocks in June, supply disruption following the Prax Group collapse in July, and a return to stability in August all shaped market dynamics. Yet motorists kept filling up. In fact:
• Average fuel prices are running 4.5% lower than this time last year, offering welcome relief at the pump.
• Forecourt volumes are up year-on-year, despite widespread forecasts of decline.
• The number of UK petrol stations is actually on the rise, a reversal of the long-term trend.
Petrol Holds Firm, While EVs Stall
The data also challenge assumptions about the energy transition. Diesel demand continues its decline, but, rather than moving to EVs, many drivers are opting for petrol or hybrids instead. Battery electric vehicle registrations are strong on paper, but much of that growth is fleet-led, and many of those vehicles aren’t yet showing up in circulation.
That gap between registration and real-world usage means that forecourts remain busy, and operators are investing accordingly. Larger independents and oil majors are rolling out EV charging, but the near-term focus is still on fuel, food-to-go, and site diversification.
Regional Realities
One of the standout insights in August’s report is just how differently regions are performing. While some areas are experiencing stronger volumes and rising margins, others are seeing the opposite effect. These regional contrasts underline that there’s no single story playing out across the UK and why having a localised view is critical for operators, investors, and policymakers alike.
What Comes Next
If ‘peak auto fuel’ hasn’t yet arrived, the question is when. Some forecasts suggest that 2025 may be the tipping point; others point to 2026. What’s clear is that the road ahead will be longer and more uneven than expected.
For forecourt operators, the lesson is simple: resilience today creates flexibility tomorrow. Diversification, data-driven decision-making, and investment in the right infrastructure will be critical for navigating both short-term volatility and long-term transition.
Inside The August EdgeData Report
The August edition dives into:
• Why peak auto fuel hasn’t arrived (yet) and why it may not until 2026
• Regional differences in demand, with some areas bucking the national trend entirely
• How forecourt operators are adapting, from investing in non-fuel services to rolling out EV chargers in anticipation of long-term change
• What resilience today means for tomorrow’s post-petrol world.
The report also highlights the volatility of the past summer, from oil price shocks to the fallout of the Prax Group collapse, and how retailers have navigated these challenges.
Why This Matters
For retailers, investors, and policymakers, the question isn’t whether the energy transition will happen; it’s when and how fast. EdgeData’s real-time insights provide a sharper picture than delayed survey data, helping the sector make better-informed decisions in the face of uncertainty.
Download the full August Roadside Retail Report to explore the complete dataset, regional breakdowns, and expert analysis.
