Fuel, footfall, and the future: Key insights from our forecourt networking event
We recently hosted forecourt operators from across the UK in London for the launch of our Business Outlook 2026 report. Read this blog post to see key takeaways from the discussion.
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The event was an evening packed with insights on market performance, fuel supply dynamics, and the growing importance of digital marketing and consumer engagement, as we were joined by Portland Analytics and myAutomate & PetrolPrices.
The session discussed the roadmap ahead for operators looking to stay competitive in an increasingly complex retail environment.
The forecourt property market remains hot
We opened the evening with a look at the broader trading landscape and property market for forecourts. Despite persistent inflation and rising operating costs, the sector continues to show resilience, helped by stabilised interest rates and renewed business confidence. Corporate divestments are also creating opportunities, prompting strong demand for valuation and advisory services.
We are seeing traditional petrol filling stations being reimagined into multi-purpose forecourt destinations, with social media-driven footfall influencing design and product mix.
Banks remain confident in lending for both acquisitions and redevelopments, buoyed by the sector’s diversification and the extended relevance of traditionally fuelled vehicles amid delays in EV infrastructure and automaker readiness.
Importantly, the market is seeing little distress, with some transactions taking longer than in previous years but still progressing steadily. For operators, this means that well‑located, well‑run sites remain attractive assets, however cost control and operational efficiency matter more than ever.
Why fuel supply agreements deserve more scrutiny than ever
Amid the ongoing war in Iran, the disruption to global fuel flows has driven prices higher, therefore scrutiny of fuel supply agreements is more critical now than ever before.
Portland Analytics delivered an insightful session on how forecourt profitability can be significantly impacted by the details within fuel supply contracts.
Their analysis highlighted how pricing methodologies can vary widely between suppliers, and how small differences can add up to substantial annual cost differences. In one example, methodology variances could total more than £20,000 per site per year, based on typical volumes.
Their advice was clear: it’s important to ensure future tenders specify the basis methodology to create true like‑for‑like comparisons when looking at your fuel supply agreements.
The importance of marketing your site: consumers decide before they arrive
Finally, myAutomate & PetrolPrices presented an update on the role of consumer engagement and digital marketing to reach customers. Their data showed that today’s motorists make decisions before they reach a forecourt, comparing price, location, facilities and promotions via apps in advance - so for operators, this means visibility is everything.
Platforms like PetrolPrices and Fuel Sense allow retailers to showcase promotions directly to nearby motorists, track engagement to understand which offers drive footfall, and benchmark performance against local competitors using real‑time and historic price data.
This enables operators to refine pricing, tailor promotions, and respond instantly to competitor movements. In a market where margins are tight and customers are hyper‑informed, effective digital visibility can be the difference between capturing a visit or losing one.
Summary
The event highlighted that success in 2026 will hinge on understanding the property market, interrogating every element of fuel supply agreements, and investing in smarter, data‑driven marketing. Operators who embrace these insights will be best placed to grow and thrive in the year ahead.
For more information about the forecourt sector, contact: steve.rodell@christie.com or +44 7738 182 407