The service station market - Italy

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Fueling stations are facilities that offer customers fuel for their vehicles. Based on the type of fuel required, the market is divided into different categories: gasoline, diesel, methane, LPG, etc., 

In addition, especially in larger fueling stations, additional services such as car washes, stores, bars and restaurants are also offered. 

The Italian market for fueling stations shows irregular growth: for some types of fuel, consumption is in sharp decline, while for other types of fuel, growth prospects are optimal. Nevertheless, the number of service stations in Italy is decreasing sharply. 

Most fueling stations operate in the form of franchising agreements with large oil companies such as IP, Eni, Q8. However, an increase in the presence of "white" installations, i.e. with a different brand from that of the large groups, has been registered.

Based on the type of service provided, the fueling station market is usually divided into:

- Serviced market where there is a specialized operator who refuels the vehicle. This segment is therefore characterized by a higher price. 

- Self-service market where the consumer refuels his own vehicle. Consequently, this segment has cheaper prices.

Most stations on freeways offer both services, while those located in urban areas typically only offer the option of being serviced by an operator. 

One of the trends with the greatest impact on this market is undoubtedly the growing concern about the reduction of pollutant emissions caused by fossil fuel-powered vehicles. As a result of numerous government interventions in this regard, there has been a growing inclination towards alternative forms of fueling, such as, for example, hydrogen power, natural compressed gas but above all electricity, which is becoming increasingly popular among the population.