We asked key players in the industry what their main wish is for 2026, and several themes emerged including the introduction of an independent fuel card, greater support from the government, and clearer messaging around the EV transition.
”I am a supporter of a dealer fuel card. This would be across brands and would challenge the existing bunker and oil company players. I think the timing is right and the technology platforms are there, it just needs some collective will, but the benefits should be substantial.”
Industry consultant Ramsay Macdonald
“I’d love to see planning regulations become quicker and clearer. When the process isn’t so slow or complicated operators like us can move faster, redevelop sites more easily, and bring new ideas to life without months of delay. A bit of clarity and consistency would make a huge difference for independents ready to invest.”
Naz Zokiuddin, chief executive of Refuel Forecourts
“I would like us to deliver more stronger partnerships that enhance our existing foodservice, grocery and merchandise, along with fuel and electric vehicle (EV) fast charging offers.
EG On The Move commercial director Ilyas Munshi
“The biggest positive change would be to see meaningful action from the current government to support business growth, beyond the rhetoric of being ‘pro-business’ and ‘pro- growth.’ Over the past 18 months, there has been little evidence of this translating into policy, and in many cases the direction of travel has felt like the opposite. Clear, practical support for investment and development would make a real difference to confidence across the sector.”
Tom Buckley, general manager at Pricewatch Group
”My big wish would be to change the leadership in government, one which would actually focus on business rather than being against it.”
Tom Dant, managing director for Gill Marsh Forecourts
“We hope to see the sector continue to attract strong investor interest and flexible bank lending, as these factors underpin the resilience and adaptability of forecourts. We would also like to see greater clarity and support around the EV transition, including improved incentives and infrastructure rollout, which would enable operators to plan with confidence and accelerate investment in charging facilities without compromising profitability.
“Operators have spoken openly about relative lack of return from fuel cards. There is clearly demand and possibly a space in the market for one.”
Steve Rodell, managing director retail & leisure, Christie & Co
“The main thing that I wish for in 2026, and it is a wish, is that the government actually liaises on a sensible level with the PRA, understands how wafer thin our margins are, and stops this rip off attack that has been labelled upon us for decades.
“And I would like fuel companies and bunker agents to understand that we can no longer work on the ridiculous margins they offer. Finally, a big wish is that the leading ANPR system providers share information on all levels between each other to make it more difficult for the criminal.
Guy White, managing director of The Laurels single-site forecourt family business
“My main wish is a shake-up of the oil company fuel card/bunkering reimbursements. The rates are simply too low for retailers. The companies that offer them have no incentive to give retailers a better deal. Nor do they have to absorb any of the recent operational cost hikes on a forecourt such as electricity, personnel, pilfering, etc.
Shilan Raja, director of Highway Stops Retail
“We are known for being realists and pragmatists, so do not waste much time on wishing for things that are out of our control, but if there was one thing it would be a return to a sense of economic stability.
“The rapidly increasing costs associated with running our types of business, which employ 100s of people and wish to invest in capital developments, means we feel like growth is being stifled instead of being embraced. There is a sense that we are lurching from one economic jolt to the next; 12 months of stability and serenity on this front would be very welcome, but whilst we are hoping for the best, we are preparing for the other!”
“Saying that, we have a great team and we’re looking forward to another challenging yet rewarding year in the wonderful world of petrol forecourt retailing!”
Vicky Hennessy, chief executive of Penny Petroleum
