Australia Petrol Station Market Size Analysis - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

Australia Petrol Station Market Trends

The growth of the Australia petrol station market is supported by their crucial role in fulfilling the fuel needs of transportation and industry. With stable fuel demand across the country, petrol stations continue to offer a dependable service. The sector also creates employment opportunities in retail and technical fields, while diversifying revenue through added services like car washes and convenience stores. Technological innovations, such as automated dispensers and EV charging stations, enhance operational efficiency. In October 2024, self-service petrol stations were introduced in Salisbury Downs and St. Marys, providing a more convenient and affordable refuelling option. These stations allowed customers to refuel independently, reducing the need for staff and cutting operational costs. The model, successful elsewhere, offered quicker service and lower prices, benefiting local communities.

The Australia petrol station market revenue is impacted by the sector’s support for road tourism, offering refuelling services in remote areas. It also drives infrastructure development, particularly in fuel distribution networks. Petrol stations are responding to consumer demands by incorporating eco-friendly options like biofuels and EV chargers. Large operators can influence fuel pricing, while loyalty programmes help maintain customer loyalty.

Australia Petrol Station Market Growth

Opportunities in the Australia petrol station market are increasing as these stations play a crucial role in local economies, especially in rural areas. Strong brand recognition fosters customer loyalty and consistent revenue. Regulatory frameworks ensure safety and quality, while partnerships with retailers broaden product offerings. Established networks guarantee service in both urban and remote areas, enhancing customer convenience. In August 2023, Australia saw the rise of more hydrogen service stations following a partnership between Ampol and US company OneH2. This collaboration aims to boost hydrogen use, reducing emissions from heavy transport, following BP's launch of the country's first hydrogen refuelling station.

Demand of the Australia petrol station market has been boosted as electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, prompting stations to offer EV charging infrastructure. Petrol stations also remain essential in emergencies, supplying fuel for critical services. Community engagement efforts build goodwill, while the market’s resilience allows stations to maintain steady operations during economic downturns. The introduction of modern payment systems enhances the overall customer experience and convenience.

Australia Petrol Station Market Insights

• The Australian petrol station market is benefiting from the rise in electric vehicles (EVs), with more than 100,000 EVs registered by 2024, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Petrol stations can take advantage of this shift by adding EV charging stations, broadening their services, and diversifying revenue to meet evolving consumer preferences.
• In 2022, over a million new vehicles were sold in Australia, with SUVs and light commercial vehicles making up 76.8% of total sales, according to industry reports. This high vehicle ownership continues to drive demand for fuel, ensuring a stable and significant market for petrol stations, and supporting their long-term viability and profitability.
• With Australian households owning an average of 1.8 vehicles in 2022, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, petrol stations remain crucial. The widespread vehicle ownership creates a continuous need for fuel, leading to frequent visits and a reliable customer base, especially in suburban and rural regions.

Industry News

February 2024

Costco commenced construction on its 15,000sqm warehouse in Ardeer, which was planned to feature the retailer's largest fuel station in Australia, located in Melbourne's west. The development marked a significant step in Costco's expansion, aiming to enhance its presence in the region and provide a major refuelling facility.

February 2024

EnergyAustralia began operating its USD 300 million Tallawarra B gas plant in the Illawarra, featuring a 320-megawatt turbine capable of meeting peak demand within 30 minutes. Despite this, EnergyAustralia expressed uncertainty about meeting its 2025 target to run the plant on five per cent green hydrogen, citing supply chain concerns.

Australia Petrol Station Market Drivers

Shift Towards Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming a significant trend in the Australia petrol station market. With growing government incentives and heightened environmental awareness, petrol stations are increasingly incorporating EV charging points. This allows them to diversify their services, attract eco-conscious consumers, and future-proof their operations. While the shift is still in early stages, the expansion of EV infrastructure is expected to accelerate, especially as more Australians embrace sustainable transportation. In August 2024, RAA Charge expanded its network by adding four new sites in Port Augusta South, Coober Pedy, Coonalpyn, and Meningie, bringing the total to 138. These stations feature 200kW Ultra-Rapid or 150kW Rapid chargers for quick recharging. RAA has completed over 50,000 charging sessions, with 57% in regional areas.

Increased Focus on Fuel Price Transparency

Fuel price transparency is shaping the Australia petrol station market dynamics and trends as consumers seek greater visibility and fairness in pricing. Numerous online platforms and mobile apps now enable consumers to track fuel prices across various stations in real time, fostering competitive pricing and informed decision-making. In response, petrol stations have adopted digital tools and dynamic pricing strategies that reflect market conditions. As transparency increases, consumer behaviour is expected to have a greater impact on fuel pricing, driving further competition among retailers. According to the ACCC, most fuel price transparency schemes require retailers to report their prices to a central system within 30 minutes of a change, with Western Australia's FuelWatch scheme being the exception, requiring prices to be logged a day in advance and fixed for 24 hours.

Opportunities in the Australia Petrol Station Market

The growth of the Australia petrol station market is being driven by the increasing use of digital and mobile payment methods. Contactless payments through cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming the preferred choice due to their convenience and improved hygiene practices. Petrol stations are embracing these technologies, enabling customers to pay quickly and securely for fuel and in-store items. According to ACMA, in 2022, 99% of Australian adults accessed the internet in the six months to June, up from 90% in 2019. This trend is expected to continue as consumers favour ease of use, reduce physical contact, and adopt more digital payment options.

Market Restraints

The Australia petrol station market faces several key challenges. Fluctuating global oil prices impact fuel costs, making financial planning difficult. Strict regulatory compliance, particularly around environmental and safety standards, increases operational costs, especially for smaller operators. Competition from supermarkets offering discounted fuel, rising environmental awareness, and the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) further pressure traditional stations.

Economic downturns and shifting consumer preferences, such as car-sharing or public transport, also reduce fuel demand. Additionally, high land and property costs, supply chain disruptions, and increasing fuel taxes create further financial burdens. Rural areas suffer from limited infrastructure, making service provision challenging. Operators must adapt to these restraints, requiring significant investment in new technologies and infrastructure.

Australia Petrol Station Industry Segmentation

“Australia Petrol Station Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by End User

• Road Transport Vehicles
• Air Transport Vehicles
• Water Transport Vehicles

Market Breakup by Region

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Australian Capital Territory
• Western Australia
• Others

Australia Petrol Station Market Share

Market Analysis by End User

According to the Australia petrol station market analysis, the market is primarily driven by the road transport sector, with the large number of vehicles on Australian roads ensuring a constant demand for fuel. Petrol stations serve a wide variety of vehicles, from private cars to heavy trucks, offering dependable fuel access for both commuters and freight. According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), 158 billion passenger kilometres were travelled by car on capital city roads in 2022-23, further boosting the market by maintaining a steady fuel demand.

The growth of the Australian petrol station market is driven by the demand for aviation fuel from air transport vehicles. Airports and nearby petrol stations supply fuel for both domestic and international flights. The expanding aviation sector and increased travel have created opportunities for specialised fuel services at airports across Australia. According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), international flight movements in Australia increased by 7.1% from September 2023 to September 2024, further enhancing fuel demand. Petrol stations near major airports play a crucial role in supporting the aviation industry, ensuring its efficient operation.

The demand for the Australia petrol station market is boosted by water transport vehicles, including cargo ships and recreational vessels, which generate a need for marine fuel. Petrol stations located near ports and coastal areas provide essential fuel services, supporting both commercial shipping and leisure boating. According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), in 2020-21, 88.7% of sea freight handled in Australia was focused on exports, with imports accounting for 5.7% and coastal freight (domestic freight transported twice within Australia) making up 5.6%. This maritime activity plays a key role in driving fuel demand at stations across coastal regions.

Australia Petrol Station Market Regional Insights

New South Wales Petrol Station Market Overview

The New South Wales petrol station market benefits from high vehicle density and extensive road networks, ensuring steady fuel demand. Urban and regional areas contribute to consistent sales, while growing adoption of digital payments and EV charging enhances customer convenience. A report from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts stated that New South Wales had 6,154,783 registered motor vehicles in 2023.

Queensland Petrol Station Market Trends

Queensland’s petrol station market thrives on a growing population and strong tourism sector. The state’s vast geography makes petrol stations in regional and remote areas essential, while rising EV adoption fuels infrastructure expansion. In August 2024, Premier Steven Miles revealed plans for 12 state-owned stations operated by Energy Queensland, offering fuel and EV chargers to boost competition in key areas.

Western Australia Petrol Station Market Dynamics

Western Australia’s petrol station market benefits from its vast rural areas, high fuel consumption from the mining sector, and demand for transport services. Regional stations play a crucial role in logistics across the state. In September 2024, a partnership with United Petroleum allowed WA Seniors Card members to save four cents per litre on fuel, offering savings of up to USD 70 annually.

Competitive Landscape

The Australia petrol station market key players are mainly involved in the exploration, production, and distribution of oil and gas, alongside refining, chemicals, and the advancement of renewable energy. They operate across various sectors, including upstream (exploration and production), downstream (refining and marketing), and chemicals (such as petrochemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibres). These companies are dedicated to innovation and sustainability, with a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions and prioritising clean energy and low-carbon technologies.

Key Industry Players

Cryostar: Cryostar is a global leader in cryogenic equipment and solutions, specialising in the production of equipment for the energy, industrial, and chemical sectors. Founded in 1946, it is headquartered in France and operates internationally, providing innovative solutions for gas processing, liquefaction, and distribution.

ENGIE: ENGIE is a multinational energy company providing low-carbon energy solutions across electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy. Established in 2008 and headquartered in Paris, France, ENGIE aims to lead the energy transition by developing sustainable infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions globally through innovative services and technologies.

SINOPEC: SINOPEC, or China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, is one of the world's largest integrated energy and petrochemical companies. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Beijing, China, SINOPEC is involved in the exploration, production, and distribution of oil, natural gas, and petrochemical products, serving both domestic and international markets.

ENOC Company: ENOC (Emirates National Oil Company) is a leading integrated energy company based in Dubai, UAE. Established in 1993, ENOC is involved in the exploration, production, refining, and distribution of petroleum products, along with providing services in aviation, lubricants, and renewable energy, contributing to the UAE's energy sector growth.

Other key players in the Australia petrol station market report are ALDREES, Royal Dutch Shell, CNOOC International Ltd, FortisBC., and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited among others.

Recent Development

August 2023

BOC and BP Australia opened Australia’s first hydrogen refueller at the BP Port of Brisbane Truckstop in Lytton. This milestone completed BOC’s Bulwer Island renewable hydrogen project, funded by BOC, ARENA, Queensland Government, and BP. Renewable hydrogen is produced at Bulwer Island and transported for refuelling.

October 2022

BP opened its first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Melbourne's outer north-east under the BP Pulse sub-brand. Located at Diamond Creek BP, it is part of a plan to roll out nearly 1,000 chargers across Australia and New Zealand. The station offers dual charging at 75kW, with a potential upgrade to 150kW.