Let’s break down what really drives gas station profits and how owners can make the most of their investment. 

How Much Does a Gas Station Owner Make? 

In the U.S., gas station owner salaries typically range from $40,000 to $100,000* per year, but this can vary widely based on where the station is located, how it’s run, and the ownership model. 

Some owners operate as part of major franchises that provide built-in brand recognition and supply support. Others choose to go independent, managing their own pricing, operations, and supplier relationships. Both paths can be profitable, but they come with very different risks and rewards. 

Location is one of the biggest factors. Stations on busy highways or near urban centers naturally see more volume, while those in smaller towns or rural areas may rely on community loyalty and smart pricing to stay competitive. 

And although higher gas prices might sound like good news, they don’t always translate into bigger profits. The price consumers pay at the pump is mostly made up of taxes, distribution, and wholesale costs, leaving station owners with slim margins. 

Profit Margins on Fuel Sales 

Fuel might bring in most of the sales, but it rarely brings in the profit. On average, U.S. gas stations earn less than 2% net margins on fuel sales. 

Even large operators face the same challenge. For instance, Alimentation Couche-Tard, which owns thousands of stations across North America, averages just $0.47* per gallon in gross margins in the U.S. 

Despite the low margins, fuel remains essential. It drives high sales volumes and steady traffic, which can open the door to other, more profitable revenue streams. In 2024, U.S. gasoline station sales exceeded $631.5 billion**, proof of how much potential there is when stations diversify their offerings. 

Key Factors That Affect Profitability 

Beyond fuel prices, several factors can impact how much a gas station earns. 

Location & Market Demand 

A prime location is often the difference between steady profits and slow sales. Stations near highways, office hubs, or shopping centers tend to perform better thanks to consistent customer traffic. 

Other variables to consider include: 

1. Proximity to competitors: Lower-priced rivals can draw customers away. 
2. Nearby businesses or housing: A strong local customer base boosts daily sales. 
3. Seasonal demand: Tourist-heavy areas can experience sharp seasonal swings. 

The more visible and convenient your station is, the greater your revenue potential. 

Ownership Model: Independent vs. Franchise 

Independent stations operate under their own brand, offering more control over pricing, marketing, and operations. That flexibility can lead to higher profits, but it also comes with greater responsibility, from equipment maintenance to compliance and supplier negotiations. 

Franchised stations, on the other hand, operate under well-known brands like Shell, Chevron, or BP. They benefit from strong branding and corporate support but must follow stricter rules on pricing and operations. Franchise fees and limited contract flexibility can also impact profitability. 

Buying vs. Leasing 

Buying a gas station gives you long-term control and builds equity, but it comes with high upfront costs. Leasing is more affordable initially, though it often limits how much you can change or upgrade and may lead to higher costs over time. 

The best choice depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and how hands-on you want to be with day-to-day operations. 

Pricing Strategies 

Another important factor that affects profitability for a well-established fuel retailer is the pricing strategy they use. It’s important to balance competitive pricing with healthy margins, a task that requires accurate, real-time visibility into fuel costs and performance. 

Tools like EdgePetrol help retailers monitor live margin data and market trends, making it easier to adjust prices strategically and maintain profitability without guesswork. 

Operating Costs to Watch 

Strong sales mean little if costs aren’t under control. Here are four key expenses that affect profitability: 

1. Fuel supply costs: Wholesale prices fluctuate constantly. When they spike, profit margins shrink, especially if you can’t raise pump prices to match. 
2. Staff wages: Payroll is one of the biggest ongoing expenses, but good staff are essential for reliable service and security. 
3. Licensing, insurance & compliance: From environmental permits to liability insurance, compliance is non-negotiable. Missing a regulation can be costly. 
4. Maintenance & equipment: Pumps, car wash systems, and POS terminals all require regular servicing. Downtime means lost revenue. 

The Bottom Line 

So, is owning a gas station profitable? It can be, but it’s not a guaranteed moneymaker. The most successful owners think beyond the pump. They focus on location, smart cost management, pricing strategy, and diversified revenue streams to create a sustainable, long-term business. 

Fuel might get customers in the door, but it’s everything else you sell, and how efficiently you run your operations, that determines your bottom line. 

Book a call with the EdgePetrol team to explore how data can drive profitability at your stations. 

*Source: https://www.paytronix.com/blog/how-much-does-a-gas-station-owner-make  

**Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/5987/gas-stations-in-the-united-states/#topicOverview  

The post Is Owning a Gas Station Profitable? Let’s Take a Closer Look appeared first on EdgePetrol.

But 2025 has brought a new signal from both car makers and banks, and it’s not the one most people expected.

Manufacturers Are Rethinking the Transition

Recent reporting from the Financial Times suggests that major auto makers are recalibrating their expectations. Ford, GM, and Stellantis are collectively committing billions to developing cleaner internal combustion and hybrid models, effectively ‘falling back in love with petrol’.

Slowing EV demand, changing subsidy structures, and an influx of low-cost Chinese EVs have forced Western manufacturers to re-examine their strategies. This comment from GM’s CFO captures the moment succinctly: ‘The ICE tail is fatter and longer than anybody expected.’

It’s not a rejection of electrification but a recognition that the energy transition is turning out to be more complex and gradual than first predicted.

Banks Are Extending Their Bets on Forecourts

At the same time, the UK’s financial sector appears to be aligning with this reassessment. According to Forecourt Trader, banks are now extending loan terms for forecourt assets, removing the 2035 repayment cut-off that once mirrored the ICE phase-out target.

That subtle change carries a clear signal: lenders see petrol forecourts as profitable and resilient beyond policy deadlines. And manufacturers and financiers rarely move in the same direction unless the underlying data supports it.

Back to the Data

EdgeData’s real-time analytics paint a similar picture. Across the UK, petrol volumes have remained stable, even showing a slight increase in certain regions. Diesel sales, meanwhile, continue their gradual decline, though many former diesel drivers are shifting to petrol or hybrid vehicles rather than going electric.

Globally, EV growth is slowing too. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that while sales are still rising, growth has cooled dramatically, from 40% in 2023 to roughly 10% in 2024. The once steep energy transition curve is beginning to flatten.

What This Means for Forecourt Operators

The transition away from fossil fuels isn’t being reversed, but it is being recalibrated. The path from ICE to EV is proving to be tapered rather than linear. In this in-between period, hybrids and efficient petrol engines are acting as bridge technologies, extending the lifespan of traditional forecourts.

Banks aren’t betting on petrol itself; they’re backing businesses with resilient cash flow, those adapting to commercial reality rather than chasing policy ambition. And that adaptability is increasingly being driven by data.

At EdgePetrol and EdgeData Pro, we see that site-level transaction data often reveals the truth long before market sentiment does. The petrol economy still has momentum, and operators who understand their volumes, margins, and customer behaviour in real time will be best placed to thrive during this period of transition.

How Operators Are Responding

Forward-thinking retailers aren’t standing still. Many are:

1. diversifying their offerings, investing in food-to-go, convenience retail, and non-fuel services to build resilience as fuel margins tighten
2. preparing for an EV future, installing chargers not for immediate returns but to stake their position in tomorrow’s mobility network
3. leveraging data-driven tooling, using APIs and real-time analytics to optimise logistics and inventory.

Despite the noise about EVs and phase-out dates, the number of UK petrol stations is actually growing, a sign that operators remain confident in the enduring role of forecourts in the mobility ecosystem.

Download the Full EdgeData Report

The data tells a more nuanced story than the headlines suggest. The internal combustion engine isn’t dead, it’s evolving.

For a deeper dive into these trends, including detailed regional breakdowns and site-level insights, download our full October EdgeData report here.

The post The Return of the ICE Age: Why Petrol Isn’t Going Anywhere Yet appeared first on EdgePetrol.

Make the Station Irresistible:  

A petrol station provides a commodity, so what truly sets one apart is the experience it offers. The first impression matters: visibility, convenience, and comfort can determine whether a driver decides to stop or drive past. 

Clear, well-lit signage is key. Tall pylon signs displaying fuel prices, opening hours, and promotions help your station stand out, while consistent branding and bright lighting, both day and night, create a sense of safety and professionalism. Digital or LED price boards add flexibility by allowing you to update offers and run flash promotions that catch attention in real time. 

Once inside, a quality coffee offering can make all the difference. Whether through a barista-style set-up or a premium automated machine, good coffee paired with grab-and-go snacks or fresh food turns a simple refuelling stop into a convenient mini break. Even a small café corner can increase dwell time and boost shop sales. 

And none of this works without cleanliness. Clean toilets, a tidy shop interior, and a well-lit, well-maintained forecourt send a clear signal that your station values its customers. Regular cleaning, prompt repairs, and visible signage to facilities all contribute to the perception that yours is a good place to stop. Together, these details transform a petrol station from a purely functional stop into a pit-stop destination that draws customers in for more than just fuel.

Add EV Charging to Capture New Traffic & Extend Dwell Time:

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common, and offering EV charging gives petrol stations access to a valuable and growing customer base. Installing fast or ultra-fast chargers, such as 50 kW or 150 kW units, depending on investment and grid capacity, can help attract EV drivers who need a quick and reliable charge. Positioning chargers close to the shop or café encourages customers to step inside while they wait, which naturally increases footfall and sales. 

Stations can also boost appeal by offering charging promotions, such as free or discounted charging for a limited period, to attract new visitors. Integrating apps or loyalty systems that allow drivers to check availability, book slots, and access special offers adds further convenience. 

EV charging supports footfall in several ways: drivers are more likely to choose a station that offers charging, the waiting period encourages them to make purchases, and early adopters who have a positive experience often become repeat customers. In regions where EV charging was introduced early, many operators have already seen a noticeable rise in shop sales and new customer visits as a direct result of this investment.

Offer Promotions & Smart Pricing:

Beyond the customer experience, pricing and promotional strategies are crucial levers for attracting and retaining petrol station customers. Price does play a significant role in how to increase footfall at petrol stations. Smart, dynamic pricing can make a major difference. 

A strong example comes from Goran Raven, a UK petrol station operator who more than doubled his volume in one year by strategically lowering fuel prices relative to competitors. He recalled that at one point his site was 11 pence cheaper than nearby stations, which caused the volume to surge. Using pricing software, in his case EdgePetrol, he could monitor margins and competitor prices in real time, allowing him to implement aggressive yet sustainable pricing that attracted new customers. Key lessons from his experience include making price cuts visible on pylon signs so that drivers can easily compare from the road, maintaining base margin floors to protect profitability, and ensuring operational readiness – handling traffic flow, pumps, stock, and staffing – when volume spikes occur. 

Promotional strategies further enhance footfall. Time-limited offers such as fuel discounts with a minimum shop spend; bundle deals combining coffee, snacks, or car washes; loyalty programmes offering points or cashback; cross-promotions with local businesses; and seasonal or themed campaigns all encourage drivers to choose your station over competitors’. When paired with a positive on-site experience, these pricing and promotional tactics can convert first-time visitors into loyal, repeat customers.

If you’d like to learn more about how EdgePetrol can help you increase your profits, book a call with our team here.

The post How to Increase Footfall at Your Petrol Station: 3 Proven Strategies appeared first on EdgePetrol.

Quarter 3 2025 was a reminder that, even in a mature market, change can come fast. Wholesale volatility, shifting consumer demand, and macroeconomic headwinds all combined to test the industry’s ability to adapt. Yet, beneath the challenges, there are also reasons for optimism. From the resilience of unleaded demand to the quiet strength of diversification strategies, there is a lot now taking root across the network. 

Here’s a closer look at what shaped the quarter and what lies ahead. 

The Quarter in Review: From Promise to Pressure 

After a volatile summer, August offered a glimpse of stability. Margins began to recover, and retailers saw tentative signs of relief after months of turbulence. But the optimism didn’t last. By September, rising wholesale costs and weakening fuel demand had returned, squeezing profitability once again. Many operators held back from fully passing on these costs, aiming to protect throughput, but the trade-off was clear: lower margins and lower profits. By the end of Q3, both volumes and margins were down compared with Q2 and the same quarter last year. What started as a potential rebound ended as another reminder of just how fragile recovery can be in today’s market. 

Shifting Demand: Diesel’s Decline, Petrol’s Persistence 

Diesel’s downward trend has now become a defining feature of the UK fuel landscape. Volumes were down around 6% year-on-year in Q3, extending a pattern that’s persisted for 18 months. This decline is being driven not by one factor but by many: from fleet renewals and the rise of hybrids and BEVs, to shifting consumer attitudes about taxation, running costs, and sustainability. 

Yet there’s a counterpoint: unleaded. Petrol demand has remained surprisingly resilient, offsetting diesel’s decline at many sites. Whether that strength reflects a short-term anomaly or a more enduring consumer preference remains to be seen, but for now it’s providing a vital cushion for retailers navigating the transition. If unleaded growth holds, retailers may have a little more time to diversify their shop offers, invest in EV charging, and rethink their business models. If not, the next phase of contraction could come sooner than anticipated. 

Margins under Pressure Beyond the Pump 

The challenges of Q3 weren’t confined to the fuel island. Rising employment costs driven by minimum wage uplifts and higher National Insurance contributions continued to eat into profitability. On the shop side, previously strong categories such as e-cigarettes and confectionery saw weakening demand as consumers grew more cautious with discretionary spending. High-margin impulse purchases are no longer the reliable profit pillars they once were. Layered on top of that is a tough macroeconomic picture: new tax measures, squeezed disposable income, and growing price sensitivity are reshaping consumer behaviour, with forecourts among the first to feel the impact. 

Resilience, Adaptability, and Early Signs of Change 

Still, Q3 wasn’t without bright spots. Retailers across the network are showing real adaptability, adjusting pricing strategies, experimenting with promotions, and finding ways to protect volumes without overexposing margins. More importantly, alternative revenue streams are gaining traction. Food-to-go, better coffee offers, parcel collection, and EV charging are no longer ‘nice-to-haves’; they’re forming the backbone of a more diversified, resilient forecourt model. 

This adaptability underlines what’s always been true of the UK’s roadside retail sector: even under pressure, it evolves. The coming months will demand careful balance. Wholesale markets remain volatile, the domestic refining landscape continues to adjust after the collapse of Prax Group, and household spending is still under strain. 

Discover More in EdgeData’s Full September Report 

The EdgeData Forecourt Report – September 2025 goes deeper into the data, breaking down region-by-region performance, margin trends, and fuel mix shifts across the UK. 

Download the full report to learn more. 

The post A Quarter of Caution and Resilience for the UK’s Forecourt Sector: Insights from Our Latest Report  appeared first on EdgePetrol.

The ripple effect on competition

For fuel retailers, transparency brings both challenges and opportunities. With every price change visible to competitors and consumers alike, pricing strategies may become sharper and more competitive. 

Importantly, non-compliance carries tangible risks. Retailers who fail to submit a price change within 30 minutes could face penalty fines, potentially 1% of worldwide turnover or 5% of daily turnover. While the aggregator, VE3 Global Ltd, has not yet confirmed details on enforcement, it has indicated that adherence may be monitored through random site audits.

It remains to be seen what the impact will be on pole prices. In other markets, similar schemes haven’t brought the prices down as expected and have led to retailers pricing more conservatively.

How Edge can help

EdgePetrol is introducing the Edge Fuel Finder Module to help fuel retailers all over the UK stay compliant with the new scheme. With our new offering, customers will be able to automate real-time reporting, integrate with existing systems, and improve visibility and transparency.

If you’d like to learn more about our module and how it can benefit your business, go here.

The road ahead

The Fuel Finder scheme signals a shift in mindset: from opaque pricing to consumer-first transparency. For motorists, it means choice. For retailers, it means competition, but also an opportunity to innovate and differentiate.

The question is: are you ready for this consumer-first era?

The post Fuel Finder Scheme: Are You Ready for a Consumer-First Era? appeared first on EdgePetrol.

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.

The post UK Fuel Demand Defies Predictions: August 2025 Roadside Retail Insights appeared first on EdgePetrol.

At the moment, four key questions are circulating:

What exactly is the Fuel Finder scheme – and why now?

Following a detailed investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that competition in the fuel sector has weakened significantly since 2019, with supermarket fuel margins nearly doubling between 2019 and 2023, driving an extra £1.6 billion in costs for consumers in just one year. 

To counter this, the CMA has recommended:

1. The creation of a live, station-by-station fuel price tracking system, known as Fuel Finder
2. The establishment of a statutory monitoring body to oversee pricing behaviour across the industry.

The UK government accepted these recommendations, with powers granted via the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, now in force. The Data (Use and Access) Bill, currently under consideration, will provide the legal framework. The launch is anticipated by the end of 2025, subject to legislative progress.

Fuel Finder aims to bring transparency, promote competition, and restore consumer trust, which is especially critical amid today’s cost-of-living crisis.

What’s at stake for UK-based fuel retailers – and what challenges lie ahead?

With Fuel Finder mandating real-time price disclosure to the regulator, the operational stakes are high:

1. Accuracy and timing: Manual updates risk mistakes or prices being published that don’t match the pump.
2. Compliance burden: The scheme doesn’t just demand data; it demands trustworthy, time-aligned data.
3. Business risk: Non-compliance or delays could lead to reputational damage or penalties.

How can retailers confidently prepare and gain a strategic advantage?

By treating compliance as more than a box-ticking exercise, retailers can unlock wider benefits. Automating processes frees up time and reduces risk; seamless integration with existing systems minimises disruption; and greater transparency builds trust with both customers and regulators.

In this way, compliance becomes an opportunity to modernise operations and gain a competitive edge, not just a regulatory necessity.

And if you’re an EdgePetrol customer, you can also learn more here about the solution we are developing to help you automate compliance with these new rules, reduce operational burden, and minimise risk.

When will the Fuel Finder Scheme launch?

Fuel Finder is currently expected to launch by the end of 2025, though the government has stressed that this timeline remains dependent on parliamentary schedules and overall system readiness.

The rollout hinges on the successful passage of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which will establish the legal framework required for implementation.

A similar initiative, PumpWatch, had originally been planned for 2024 but was delayed due to political shifts and legislative setbacks. With a new bill now moving forward, and the CMA already equipped with monitoring powers, 2025 is shaping up to be a decisive year for bringing Fuel Finder to market.

Want to learn more about EdgePetrol and how we can help your fuel retail business prepare for these legislation changes? Register your interest here.

The post Commonly Asked Questions About the Fuel Finder Scheme   appeared first on EdgePetrol.

While wholesale costs were steadier than in previous months, the sector faced a different challenge: ensuring supply continuity in the wake of the Prax Group’s collapse and the closure of the Lindsey Oil Refinery.

In many ways, it was a month-long stress test for the industry’s operational agility. And the results show just how far the UK fuel market has come in building resilience.

Wholesale Stability, Margin Pressure

Compared to July 2024, gross margins slipped from 12.51ppl to 11.81ppl, a 5.6% year-on-year decrease. Yet, retail volumes actually grew 0.6%, with the average site selling 261,167 litres compared to 259,600 litres last year.

This disconnect between price movement and demand shows that, for July, performance wasn’t driven purely by pricing power. Instead, operators had to rely on their ability to secure, source, and deliver fuel, especially in regions most exposed to the Lindsey closure.

A Mixed Picture across the UK

Regional performance data from EdgeData Pro paints a varied and often surprising picture. What’s happening in one part of the country can look very different from trends elsewhere, even within the same month.

This is why granular, site-level insights are so valuable. National averages can smooth over the peaks and troughs that operators on the ground are actually experiencing. With EdgeData Pro, you can drill down to see performance region by region, uncovering opportunities and challenges that broader reports simply can’t reveal.

From identifying areas of margin strength to spotting shifts in consumer behaviour, this level of detail helps businesses move beyond reactive decision-making and take steps to protect profitability and capture market share.

For a full regional breakdown and performance trends, download the July Report.

Resilience over Reaction

July’s stability in prices wasn’t the full story. The industry’s ability to adapt, sourcing fuel from alternative suppliers, increasing throughput at unaffected terminals, and maintaining clear communication with the public, was what prevented the kind of panic seen in 2021.

Real-time visibility into stock levels was key. National capacity dipped to around 40% at the lowest point, but rapid intervention saw supplies rebound by mid-month without major disruption at the pumps.

How EdgeData Helps Businesses Lead, Not Follow

At EdgeData, we deliver real-time insights into the UK fuel market, covering over 1,000 independent retailers with 98.5% accuracy compared to government data, but weeks faster.

For retailers, wholesalers, and investors, this means:

• Immediate reaction to market shifts — no waiting for delayed survey-based reports.

• Regional benchmarking — compare your performance against competitors and spot localised opportunities.

• Smarter pricing strategies — challenge outdated consumer perceptions with data-backed decisions.

With the launch of the EdgeData API, our customers can now integrate these insights directly into business intelligence (BI) tools like Power BI, Tableau, or Looker, unlocking a new level of flexibility and customisation, enabling teams to access and integrate EdgeData insights exactly how they need them.

Whether you’re looking to build bespoke reports or streamline performance tracking across multiple sites, the new API lets you enhance your reporting by connecting seamlessly with your existing BI tools.  

In a market where resilience is as valuable as price competitiveness, having the right data at the right time isn’t just an advantage – it’s a necessity.

Download the EdgeData Pro Report here.  

The post Beyond Prices: How the UK Fuel Market Stayed Steady in a Disruptive July appeared first on EdgePetrol.

It all started with a slide. Oil prices dropped more than 15% in April as global trade tensions flared up again. But by mid-June that trend had flipped. Conflict in the Middle East escalated and crude prices surged 17% almost overnight.

The market moved quickly but retail margins didn’t.

Oil Moves Fast. Margins Move Slower.

There’s a common belief in fuel: when oil moves, the pump reacts. But Q2 proved again that it’s not that simple. Retailers aren’t buying barrels of Brent; they’re buying refined products, passed through a supply chain full of friction.

In June alone, replacement costs rose by around 5%, but margins didn’t rise to match. In some parts of the UK, they fell by as much as 18%. This wasn’t about chasing volume by cutting prices; it was plain and simple margin erosion.

The Pressure’s Coming from All Sides

Margins weren’t the only thing under pressure. Retailers are navigating a new reality with employer costs rising, insurance premiums on tanker routes creeping up, and disposable vapes (a once-reliable high-margin product) off the shelves.

Add to that the uncertainty surrounding the CMA’s upcoming Fuel Finder scheme and the sector is left trying to maintain customer trust, with very little clarity on what comes next.

Some Good News: Demand Held Up

Despite it all, the quarter showed signs of resilience. Volumes were up across all regions. More people came to the pumps and average fill sizes increased. That kind of behaviour suggests confidence and highlights that people are still on the move – commuting, delivering, visiting, holidaying – and that business fleets are still rolling.

But resilience doesn’t mean immunity. Despite the demand holding up during this period, the rising wholesale costs along with the fixed operational overheads mean that it was retailers who took the hit during this quarter.

Crude Economics and Cruder Realities

Q2 delivered a textbook lesson in how volatile oil markets can be and a sharp reminder that strict logic doesn’t always apply.

Oil prices matter, but sustainable margins matter more in the long run. And the things shaping those margins today? It’s not just supply and demand. It’s supermarket competition, rising wages, disappearing product categories, as well as infrastructure and regulation.

Want a clearer picture of the volumes and margins across the UK? Download the full Q2 2025 report for more information here. 

The post Crude Economics and Cruder Realities: What Q2 Really Looked Like on the Forecourt appeared first on EdgePetrol.

Here’s how old data quietly drains efficiency and profits and why modern fuel retailers are embracing real-time insights to stay ahead.

Slower Pricing Decisions Mean Missed Revenue

Fuel prices can move fast. When you don’t have access to live data on volumes, margins and competitor prices, you’re forced to base pricing decisions on assumptions or wait for reports to catch up. By the time you react, you may already have lost volume to competitors who adjusted more quickly.

EdgePetrol solves this problem by delivering real-time data on your actual blended cost and live margins. This clarity allows you to reprice confidently, respond to market shifts as they happen and protect your profitability.

Inefficient Stock Management

Without up-to-date visibility into your tank levels and sales velocity, ordering fuel becomes a guessing game. Outdated stock data increases the risk of running dry or over-ordering. This ties up cash in inventory just before wholesale prices fall.

EdgePetrol gives operators live visibility of actual volume and grade performance across all sites. This helps forecourts plan deliveries precisely, reducing the risk of stockouts or excess inventory and minimising waste.

Inaccurate Margin Tracking

Spreadsheets and static reports often fail to show the true picture of profitability. They don’t factor in real-time movements in replacement costs or fully blended margins. This lack of clarity makes it hard to set prices with confidence and can lead to pricing decisions that erode rather than protect your margin.

EdgePetrol makes it easy to track live margins by bringing together volume, cost and selling price data in one place. Operators no longer have to rely on end-of-day reports to understand how each grade is performing. Instead, they can tweak pricing on the spot to protect their margins.

Time Lost to Manual Processes

Gathering and checking data manually takes hours, and mistakes are almost inevitable. For site managers and head office teams, that’s time better spent analysing performance trends or improving the customer experience.

EdgePetrol automates these processes, delivering accurate, up-to-the-minute insights on a single platform. With less time tied up in admin, teams can concentrate on bigger-picture decisions instead of paperwork.

Stay Ahead with Real-Time Insight

Today, profitability often hinges on how fast and precisely you respond to market changes. Working from outdated numbers can slow you down, lead to poor decisions and eat into your profits.

With EdgePetrol’s live pricing and margin tools, forecourt operators can:

·       Make faster, more informed pricing decisions

·       Track actual margins live

·       Optimise fuel ordering and stock management

·       Reduce time spent on manual reporting

Ready to stop letting old data hold you back?

Book a demo to learn how you can leverage EdgePetrol to run a more efficient, profitable forecourt business powered by real-time insights.

The post How Outdated Data Slashes Efficiency and Profits for Forecourts appeared first on EdgePetrol.