Gas stations ask what will happen to the bonus
Across the nation this Saturday marked the final general subsidy of 20 cents per liter on fuel, a policy that has drawn in larger crowds and even long lines at many stations. Retailers emphasized they are prepared and stock levels remain steady for the upcoming weekend, including the last business day of the year on Friday.
In reality, the government had already made the discount effective since last April, with the program set to expire on December 31. The steady rise in demand has kept refueling bays busy, and lines have formed at several fuel outlets as consumers take advantage of the savings before the end of the year.
“There are more people than usual. It’s been like this since Tuesday and we hope it continues into tomorrow morning,” said a gas station worker in central Madrid, while another in the capital’s suburbs described the day as “very chaotic.”
He also notes that the renewal of the loyalty card registration—which is required to access the discount—has helped drive additional traffic. The extra 10 cents per liter slated to have been retained during the quarter after state support ends roughly doubles the amount seen the day before.
Earlier in the week, about a quarter of all gas stations in the country experienced a rebound in activity, with queues forming in many places as drivers anticipated the discount’s final days.
Industry estimates suggest activity at most of the country’s approximately 3,600 stations will stay elevated through the end of the year, with operators strengthening distribution capacity to prevent shortages.
Major chains, including several with nationwide networks, expect no fuel famine despite the higher demand during this peak period. They report that operations are running normally and that service has been maintained as Christmas travel picks up.
At BP, for instance, officials anticipate continued strong customer flow on these dates, and they stress that the stock levels are sufficient to meet demand. The Spanish Association of Fuels and Fuel Retailers (Aevecar) cautions that some punctual shortages may occur, but recommends keeping full tanks in anticipation of the surge in demand. The association notes that the current process should be simpler than in previous spikes, since it largely relies on existing procedures.
Across the country, fueling activity increased in both large chains and self-service stations, with major cities bearing the brunt of the surge. The energy retailer Plenoil reported a record-breaking day yesterday due to the high influx and long queues, suggesting that today could see the highest peak flow yet. Petroprix also noted a 30% jump in regular attendance on Friday, with refueling numbers exceeding average levels the day before.
Gasoline down 1.57% and back to pre-war levels
More drivers are expected at stations during this period, similar to the early days in April, and operators assure that the necessary stock exists to meet demand. Aevecar adds that while some minor supply hiccups can occur, the overall stock situation is stable, and the emphasis is on avoiding logistical bottlenecks rather than shortages.
Yet the association stresses that it is a comparatively easier process than in April, mainly because the path back to the prior procedures is straightforward. There has been a noticeable rise in refueling across the country, especially in large networks and automatic stations, as people prepare for year-end travel and the last weekend of the year. Plenoil reported hitting annual sales records amid the heightened activity, and officials expect the trend to continue as demand peaks.
Petroprix also reported a 30% increase in attendance on this Friday, with a higher-than-average number of refuels reported yesterday.
More work for employees and “ruin” for customers
The bustle at gas stations persisted into the morning, with long lines in Madrid marking the lead-up to the discount’s end for professional drivers.
One Madrid resident explained to EFE that traffic has been heavier than usual during the week, reflecting the unique travel pattern of this period. While many customers say they need fuel, others admit they are refilling early to maximize the discount before it ends.
José Ignacio, a typical commuter waiting in line in Vallecas, shared that spreading the savings over a full tank felt like an opportunity not to be missed. Others described the end of the discount as painful, noting the overall cost of fuel and the impact on daily commutes. The conversation echoed a broader sentiment about rising fuel taxes and the financial pressure on households.
Others used the moment to fill up before embarking on year-end trips, including an elderly couple who joined the last weekend exodus and planned to travel to destinations with significant travel volumes.