How much does it cost to buy a petrol station in South Africa?
The fuel retail sector continues to grow despite the relatively sluggish economic growth in South Africa.
This is according to a new report by the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA), which found that the sector contributes 8.5% to the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“There are more than 4,600 service stations in South Africa and a collected annual turnover over R324 billion,” said Ronél Fester, FNB Franchise Industry Specialist.
“This industry has been gradually increasing over the past three years and we expect it to continue in the same trajectory over the next coming years,” she said.
Like any other business, the fuel retail sector is not immune to economic headwinds; in fact, it is not an easy sector to operate in, the expert warned.
“However, it is by far one of the industries that still offer growth potential for entrepreneurs that are looking for a proven business model that is lucrative,” she said.
Fester shared five key insights that continue to characterize this important sector.
The biggest contributor to the bottom line: Fuel is still the main driver in this industry – the comparison ratio between money coming from a convenience store and fuel is about R1.20 to R1.40 per liter sold at the petrol station.
Alternative Profit Opportunities (APOs): Consumers enjoy convenience. As a result, more and more forecourts are becoming a one-stop shop. Consumers are now looking to do their banking, shopping, quick service meals, and convenience shopping, while they are filling their petrol tanks.
Fuel loyalty programs: This is no longer a question of can I do it or not, it is about how can I incentivize my customers and make them come back for more. If implemented well, this can be a very powerful tool to market your brand.
Technological advancements: With the ever-changing environment, fuel stations are diversifying their offering and streamlining efficiencies to have less cash on site. This also reduces the stress issues of handling cash for the business owner and consumers.
Leading in Africa: South Africa is the biggest consumer of fuel on the African continent, claiming more than 20% of the market share.
How much it costs to open a petrol station franchise
In an April 2017 article, Absa explained to BusinessTech that there are currently three different ways to open a petrol station in the country:
- Investing in the physical building, land and associated assets (prop-co).
- Purchase of the business operation only (op-co).
- Purchase of both (prop-co / op-co).
“To date, the asking price of a service station business can vary from R1 million to R35 million. In addition, the average working capital requirement of a service station can fluctuate between R1.2 million and R1.5 million,” noted Absa.
If, however, you want to develop a service station from the ground up, your physical set-up costs could range anywhere from R10 million to R100 million – with highway sites commanding the greatest capital spend.
“The cost of these investments are based on the usual appraisal criteria of a commercial property such as the profitability of the operation and the evaluation of the physical real-estate, including its assets and location.”
