Up to 15 percent lower fuel purchase costs, full control over fuel turnover in the company, the ability to accurately account for consumption, or determine delivery times are just some of the advantages of owning your own on-site fuel station.
What are the basic technical requirements for creating an on-site fuel station, what are the initial costs, and how to organize fuel deliveries to such a station?
Dawid Przewodowski, PetroConsulting Sp. z o.o.: An on-site fuel station, e.g., for dispensing diesel fuel, consists of a tank (above-ground or underground) of appropriate capacity, a fuel dispenser, and an automated fueling system. The size of the required area depends mainly on the size of the tank; for example, a typical 30 cubic meter tank occupies about 23 cubic meters. Of course, one must add the distances required by law from forest areas, residential buildings, property boundaries, water reservoirs, etc. – 10 m. Regulations state that the tank must be double-walled and approved by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT) (together with the tank, we receive a so-called tank passport). The permissible tank capacity for which a building permit is not required is 5 cubic meters, but this is often not enough. If we want a larger tank, we face the construction procedure for an internal storage tank. Such formalities are usually handled in 2-4 months. However, if we do not receive such a permit, we can attempt to obtain a so-called construction derogation from the relevant minister. Prices vary greatly depending on the expected tank capacity and whether we want a professional dispenser or a regular non-legalized one (permissible at on-site stations). When considering a good quality tank, say 20 cubic meters above-ground, a professional dispenser, and an automated system, we can assume that the price of the equipment with installation, administrative costs, and training on its use will amount to approximately 90-150 thousand PLN net. Often it is less, but it can also be more. We buy fuel for our station from wholesale suppliers, of which there are many on the market. When choosing a company that will supply us with fuel, we should take into account the price per liter of fuel delivered to our station. It is also necessary to remember, in an era of frequent manipulation and dishonest fuel trading, to check our suppliers also in terms of legal formalities, e.g., their payment of VAT, excise duty, possession of necessary permits, etc.
More on this topic can be learned during the International Fuel Fair – Station and Business of the Future 2016.