Despite unwillingness with which many drivers initially greeted them, supposedly service stations automatic they didn’t stop multiply In Alicante, enough to turn the province into one of the borders, also known as low-cost gas stations higher market share.
In particular, according to data provided by the employer aesaeuntil one of four pumps Currently operating in the province -24.9%- corresponds to one of these facilities, practically opened only in recent years, against the pullback experienced by traditional gas stations.
are seven more points HE at the national level, unattended service stations already 18.3% your total. Barcelona with only 34%, Girona (30.3%), Lleida (30%), Segovia (27.2%), Soria (26.8%) and Valencia (25.5%) are the main attractions Penetration of this model is higher. Prices are 10 to 20 cents below average.
As the head of the Aesae recalled, Manuel JimenezThe key date for the launch of this business model in the Community of Valencia was the year. 2018When generalitat had to repeal the regulations of all service stations. responsible for caring for people with functional diversityand until then it had hindered the growth of the industry. General Directorate of Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs European Commission is considered illegal.
From that moment on, the number of installations began to increase gradually. Pandemic -that values the features of a service that allows refueling without the need for anyone contact-and above all, the next price increase “When fuel prices started to rise, many drivers started looking. what options were on the market this could reduce spending,” Jiménez admits.
Conclusion, 44 automatic stations the province has year 2019 gone 113 at the end of 2022, ie almost three times more facilities in less than four years. During the same period, the penetration share – percent relative to the total number of pumps in operation represented by ‘low cost’ – increased from 11% to 24.9%.
Despite the fact that price represents the biggest draw, Jiménez points out: “After all, if automated stations are growing, it’s because the model also adapts to the needs of driversNote, for example, that many traditional gas stations already operate on a self-service basis, “but with the inconvenience of having to go to the cash register to pay, you often have to wait in line and have someone in front of you.” Just a loaf of bread or another from the store. you who buy things”. card payment speed at the same supplier.
But there is also business reasons Behind the success of this model, as the head of Aesae pointed out, operating costs The fact that one of these facilities can be half or at most one-third of an in-use gas station facilitates its implementation at certain points where the serviced fuel stations are not profitable.
Jiménez categorically denies accusations that the fuel offered in such pumps is of poor quality, and questions the alleged benefits of additives, which are widely publicized by what he calls “oligopoles” that rule the conventional market. In the same sense, the businessman points out that it is what really promotes automatic stations. sufficiency In the system.
Oil prices expected to improve
While awaiting the results of Saudi Arabia’s announcement that it will reduce its daily oil production by 1 million barrels, fuel prices are below pre-war Ukraine. In Alicante, diesel is paid at €1,420 per liter, compared to more than two euros a year ago, and petrol is 95, averaging €1,597 compared to 2,116 twelve months ago.
Source: Informacion
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