New petrol stations fuel discussions among motorists. Why?
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The landscape of Australian petrol retail is shifting gears.
One of Australia's largest retailers launched new petrol stations across the country.
However, these new stations sparked discussions that motorists should also consider.
Petrol retailer AMPOL recently rolled out self-service petrol stations across the country.
Drivers can now fill their fuel tanks up through AMPOL's U-Go petrol stations.
Drivers can drive to a nearby U-Go station, tap their card, and fill up without interacting with petrol station staff.
As of writing, there are seven U-Go stations in NSW, five in Queensland, four in South Australia, and three stations in Victoria.
While U-GO stations have gained traction in Australia for their novelty, self-service stations are not a new phenomenon.
Several countries across the globe have already embraced self-service petrol stations.
AMPOL's move towards this model was prompted by a combination of factors, which raised discussions among motorists and even advocacy groups.
The increasing number of electric vehicles and staffing challenges prompted AMPOL to introduce U-Go petrol stations.
'We are encountering significant challenges in terms of operating our service stations around the clock,' Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association's Chief Executive, Mark McKenzie, stated in an interview.
On the other hand, Retail and Fast Food Workers Union's secretary, Josh Cullinan, pointed out that 'very poor' working conditions could be a factor in the staff shortage.
Hiring staff members to man petrol stations has been challenging, especially for overnight duties.
However, the transition to self-service does not necessarily mean lower prices for drivers.
A self-serve station in Dunnegong and a manned BP station just 500 metres away from each other had identical prices for unleaded petrol.
So, where are the savings from reduced staffing costs going?
The money saved on wages has been redirected into technology to monitor the stations.
This included surveillance systems and remote shutdown capabilities in case of emergencies.
While reassuring, the absence of on-site staff still raised safety concerns for customers.
Without a physical supervisor, there's no guarantee of an immediate response during emergencies.
It could also be a deterrent for motorists who value safety over convenience.
Mr Cullinan pointed out that the lack of staff meant that there was no one 'trained and able to act quickly' in case something went wrong.
His point was valid, considering that petrol stations handle dangerous goods and require strict adherence to safety protocols.
For those who are used to traditional service stations, the idea of a self-service station might be daunting.
It's not just about the potential safety issues but also the loss of personal interaction and assistance that many appreciate.
Whether it's help with checking tyre pressure and oil levels or just having a friendly chat, the presence of staff at petrol stations has been more than just about selling fuel.
We would love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the rise of self-service petrol stations? Do you prioritise convenience, or do you have concerns about the lack of on-site staff? Share your thoughts and opinions about this change in the comments below.
One of Australia's largest retailers launched new petrol stations across the country.
However, these new stations sparked discussions that motorists should also consider.
Petrol retailer AMPOL recently rolled out self-service petrol stations across the country.
Drivers can now fill their fuel tanks up through AMPOL's U-Go petrol stations.
Drivers can drive to a nearby U-Go station, tap their card, and fill up without interacting with petrol station staff.
U-Go stations promise a quick fuelling service for motorists. Image Credit: U-Go
As of writing, there are seven U-Go stations in NSW, five in Queensland, four in South Australia, and three stations in Victoria.
While U-GO stations have gained traction in Australia for their novelty, self-service stations are not a new phenomenon.
Several countries across the globe have already embraced self-service petrol stations.
AMPOL's move towards this model was prompted by a combination of factors, which raised discussions among motorists and even advocacy groups.
The increasing number of electric vehicles and staffing challenges prompted AMPOL to introduce U-Go petrol stations.
'We are encountering significant challenges in terms of operating our service stations around the clock,' Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association's Chief Executive, Mark McKenzie, stated in an interview.
On the other hand, Retail and Fast Food Workers Union's secretary, Josh Cullinan, pointed out that 'very poor' working conditions could be a factor in the staff shortage.
Hiring staff members to man petrol stations has been challenging, especially for overnight duties.
However, the transition to self-service does not necessarily mean lower prices for drivers.
A self-serve station in Dunnegong and a manned BP station just 500 metres away from each other had identical prices for unleaded petrol.
So, where are the savings from reduced staffing costs going?
The money saved on wages has been redirected into technology to monitor the stations.
This included surveillance systems and remote shutdown capabilities in case of emergencies.
While reassuring, the absence of on-site staff still raised safety concerns for customers.
Without a physical supervisor, there's no guarantee of an immediate response during emergencies.
It could also be a deterrent for motorists who value safety over convenience.
Mr Cullinan pointed out that the lack of staff meant that there was no one 'trained and able to act quickly' in case something went wrong.
His point was valid, considering that petrol stations handle dangerous goods and require strict adherence to safety protocols.
For those who are used to traditional service stations, the idea of a self-service station might be daunting.
It's not just about the potential safety issues but also the loss of personal interaction and assistance that many appreciate.
Whether it's help with checking tyre pressure and oil levels or just having a friendly chat, the presence of staff at petrol stations has been more than just about selling fuel.
