At BJK Service Centre in Melbourne’s south, drivers receive full-service refuelling—a rarity in today’s fuel industry. Natasha Jorgovic, who runs the family business with her husband, brother-in-law, and parents-in-law, says customers appreciate the personal touch, as many dislike refuelling themselves.

The petrol industry is increasingly dominated by major corporations such as BP and 7-Eleven. With low margins and rising crime, including theft and violence linked to illegal tobacco sales, many service stations are shifting towards automation. Ampol is trialling staff-free U-GO self-service sites in major cities, while others are boosting security by locking doors at night and installing fog cannons.

Petrol prices fluctuate in cycles, lasting about a week in Perth, six weeks in Sydney and Melbourne, and seven weeks in Brisbane. The difference between peak and low prices can be as much as 50 cents per litre. The Victorian government is considering a rule requiring fuel retailers to announce prices a day in advance, similar to Western Australia. However, industry leaders warn this could push prices higher.

Andrey Firsov, founder of Petrol Spy, highlights that areas with independent retailers like United or Metro tend to have lower prices than those dominated by major brands. He uses his app to track price trends and advises motorists to fill up before anticipated increases.

Despite industry shifts, independent operators like the Jorgovic family continue offering traditional customer service, setting them apart from the automated future of fuel retailing.

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