Filling up the tank has become one of those expenses that every driver scrutinises before inserting the nozzle. Fuel prices have been rising for months, with increases particularly noticeable during long trips, for professional fleets, and of course, for anyone who uses their car daily to commute. And in this context, service stations are no longer just a stopover but are becoming more like a small convenience store for the car.
Petrol station shops are no longer just coffee and chewing gum
Anyone who has stopped at a petrol station lately will have noticed: the space dedicated to car accessories is increasingly larger. Spare bulbs, chargers, fluids, air fresheners, emergency kits, basic tools, cleaning products for the vehicle… The range has expanded because demand has also increased.
It makes sense. The driver who stops to refuel is often the same one who remembers that they are out of windscreen washer fluid, that the air freshener is empty, or that they need a torch for the boot. Buying it there, without detouring, saves time. And for the station, these products represent a much more interesting margin than that of the fuel itself, which is inherently very low.
The result is that the petrol station shop has become more professional. It is no longer enough to have a few poorly placed items: there must be useful products, with good turnover, that the customer recognises as reliable.
The role of distributors
Behind every well-stocked shelf is a job that the driver does not see: that of the distributors who supply these shops. They are responsible for ensuring that the product arrives on time, in good condition, and with the quality that the end customer expects.
Nationally, one of the references in this sector is Faseba: Car Accessories Distributor, a company that has been working with service stations, specialist shops, and retailers across Spain for years. Their catalogue covers practically any need a driver might have: from small daily accessories to more technical products for transport professionals. For a petrol station, having such a supplier makes the difference between having a shop that works and one that simply exists.
Fuel cans: the product of the moment
If there is one item that has gained prominence with the price hike, it is cans for storing fuel. The consumer logic is simple: if today the price is high but tomorrow it could be higher, it makes sense to refuel when it is a bit cheaper and keep a reserve. Many people are doing this, not just individuals, but also self-employed workers in agriculture, transporters, and owners of agricultural machinery or generators.
Here, there is a nuance that needs to be clarified: not just any can will do. Storing petrol or diesel in unapproved containers is dangerous and, moreover, illegal. Regulations require that containers intended for fuel meet certain safety standards: durable materials, spill-proof systems, airtight closures, and certifications that ensure the product can be transported and stored without the risk of leaks or reactions.
At this point, Faseba comes back into play. Within their catalogue, they have a specific section for fuel cans designed precisely to meet these standards: approved, made with materials suitable for the type of fuel, and available in different capacities depending on the intended use. For a petrol station, having them for sale is practically mandatory today, as it is one of the most in-demand products.
An opportunity that petrol stations should not miss
The conclusion is quite straightforward. As long as fuel prices continue to fluctuate as they do, drivers will look for two things at their trusted petrol station: refuelling and resolving. Resolving small car needs, addressing unforeseen issues, and increasingly, resolving the need to have fuel stored at home or in the warehouse.
Service stations that understand this shift and work with serious distributors, with extensive catalogues and approved products are the ones benefiting from this phase. The others, those that still see the shop as a secondary addition, are leaving income on the table.
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