BP has revealed that it is working on a significant overhaul of its petrol stations across South Africa.
The fuel retailer began an ambitious plan in May this year, setting out to construct 40 new retail sites while upgrading its existing forecourts, which span over 500 locations.
According to the company, the new sites will feature expanded services, including electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and low-carbon battery rentals.
“These efforts underscore BP South Africa’s commitment to driving innovation while addressing energy poverty and decarbonisation,” it said.
Adding to this, BP stated that it is investing in its logistics network and partnering with two companies to improve the efficiency of its petroleum deliveries around the country.
BP is the fifth-largest fuel retailer in South Africa with approximately 500 forecourts, putting it just below TotalEnergies and ahead of Sasol.
However, it is actually the third most popular petrol station brand in terms of the number of visitors it receives.
A recent study by Lightstone found that BP was the third most-visited forecourt in Gauteng.
Gauteng has the highest density of motorists in the country with 3.3 million passenger cars (41% of the nation’s 8 million registered vehicles), meaning the sample size is large enough to generalise the habits of South Africans as a whole.
The survey revealed that BP has an 18% market share in Gauteng, making it the third most popular site behind Shell (18%) and Engen (30%).
Sasol came fourth at 14%, while Astron Energy and TotalEnergies clocked in at 11% and 9%, respectively.
Changing with the times
Petrol stations play a significant role in our daily lives, fulfilling roles that go far beyond refueling our cars.
Most forecourts also have convenience stores that operate well after traditional retail outlets close, and these locations have become the default for many commuters who shop on their way to and from work each day.
Lightstone noted that fuel stations are a valuable asset for consumers, and that the range of services they provide is starting to expand in response to new expectations.
Most notably, the gradual adoption of EVs means that several locations are investing in charging infrastructure to futureproof their business, since these cars obviously don’t require traditional services like refuelling or water and oil checks.
In an article published on African Retail, Nedbank’s Karen Keylock explains that petrol stations are unlikely to die out in the wake of electric vehicle adoption.
Most consumers visit a forcourt around 10 times per month, of which only a few stops are for refueling.
Data shows that 74% of visitors shop at the grocery store, 68% buy takeaways, and many use the ATMs and grab a coffee on the go.
The Fuel Retailers Association argues that petrol companies like BP and Engen need to shift their focus from being fuel retailers to convenience retailers, adapting their services to meet the new demands of travellers.
“This means viewing fuel forecourts as ecosystems that include fuel, ATMs, quick service restaurants, grocery stores, and more, essentially replacing the old-school corner café or tearoom,” added Keylock.
It was also highlighted that people in densely populated urban areas are now living in smaller apartments, creating a need for services like laundromats and ready-made meals, as these living spaces lack the space for amenities like laundries and expansive kitchens.
There is also a growing demand for trendy co-working spaces with WiFi, coffee, and food.
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