Activities

Being the closest to the consumer in the fuel supply sector, independent fuel suppliers are in a unique position to respond to today’s transport sector challenges. They have been at the forefront of the introduction of alternatives to oil products in Europe, including biofuels, requiring significant investments to adapt infrastructure and distribution systems. These investments are continuing, together with the diversification of fuels supplied. In order to safeguard and optimise the independents’ contribution to the transition to a low carbon economy in Europe, UPEI stresses the need for new policies to have regard to the reality of markets. Substitution of oil should not be artificially imposed on consumers (or suppliers), at any price. It must take account of past investments, the maturity of alternative solutions as well as respect technology neutrality in order for demand to be met with affordable and competitive products on the basis of a level playing field.

UPEI participates in the ART Fuels Forum (European Alternative and Renewable Transport Fuels).

Overview

UPEI’s members are European importers and wholesale/retail distributors of refined petroleum products and their alternatives, all operating independently of major fuel suppliers. The activities conducted by independent fuel suppliers are highly diversified and cover the entire downstream fuel supply chain: importing, wholesaling, distribution, logistics, retailing, and contracting.

The majority of the companies are small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), however, they range from companies with a single service station to companies that are independent world-class players in their own right. Due to the different market structure and historical backgrounds of the different countries in the European Union, the importance of independents varies from country to country.

However, within the EU the independent fuel supply sector covers more than one third of supply, although in certain countries the percentage can be as high as 45%. Independent suppliers play a vital role in guaranteeing fair fuel supply at a local, regional and national level, as their independence enables them to respond rapidly to changes in terms of market structure, products and services responding to evolving consumer demands. Their presence on the market brings competition, making energy more affordable for Europe’s consumers.