Despite initial resistance from many drivers, automatic service stations in Alicante did not disappear. Instead, they expanded, turning the province into a notable hub for low-cost refueling and gaining a substantial market share in a crowded field.
Data from the industry body AESAE shows that about one in four operating pumps in the province belongs to this model, a number that has grown as newer stations opened in recent years while traditional gas stations faced a slowdown in growth.
Nationally, there are seven more automatic stations without attendants, accounting for about 18.3% of total stations. In regions like Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Segovia, Soria, and Valencia, the penetration is even higher. Prices at these stations typically run about 10 to 20 cents below the regional average, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious drivers.
According to Manuel Jiménez, head of AESAE, the pivotal moment for the automatic model in the Valencian Community came in 2018 when authorities rewrote regulations governing service stations. The reform removed barriers that had limited the growth of unattended fueling, a change viewed as a regulatory green light for the industry. European Commission officials have cited compliance and safety standards as key considerations in these developments.
In Alicante, diesel is almost 10% cheaper than 95 octane petrol.
From that point, the number of automated stations began to rise gradually. During the pandemic, the value proposition of contactless fueling gained appeal, and as prices began to climb, more drivers explored automatic options to control expenses. Jiménez notes that many people saw unattended stations as a practical solution to keep costs down while maintaining convenience.
By the end of 2019 there were 44 automatic stations in the province. That figure reached 113 by the end of 2022, representing nearly a threefold increase in less than four years. In the same span, the share of these stations rose from 11% to 24.9% of total pumps in operation, underscoring a meaningful shift in the local fueling landscape.
Jiménez emphasizes that price is a major draw, but it is not the only factor. He explains that automated stations offer a model that aligns with current consumer needs. Many traditional stations already offer self-service, but customers often face slow payments at cash registers and lines. At unattended stations, payments are faster and largely digital, allowing customers to refuel and leave without the usual delays.
There are also business reasons behind the success of this model. AESAE notes that operating costs at unattended facilities can be significantly lower—potentially half or one-third of a full-service station—making it viable at locations where conventional stations struggle to stay profitable.
Jiménez rejects claims that fuel at these pumps is of inferior quality and questions the touted benefits of additives often promoted by critics of the traditional market. He argues that the strength of unattended stations lies in the efficiency and simplicity of the system itself.
Oil prices and market context
As markets monitor any signals from Saudi Arabia about oil production, fuel prices have remained below their pre-war estimates. In Alicante, diesel now costs around €1.42 per liter, while petrol 95 averages about €1.60 per liter, compared with higher levels a year ago. The downward trend reflects broader price dynamics rather than ongoing shifts in supply alone and underscores how automatic stations can help drivers manage fluctuating costs in real time.
Overall, the rise of automated fueling in Alicante demonstrates a clear shift in consumer behavior toward cost-conscious, speedy refueling options. The trend also highlights how regulatory changes, cost structures, and pandemic-era habits intersect to shape energy retail markets in the region. These developments are being watched by policymakers and industry observers alike, as they influence how services are delivered at the pump and how prices are set in a highly competitive environment.