Forecourts have increased their investment in more energy-efficient equipment as a way of combating rising energy costs, the 2022 ACS Forecourt Report has revealed.

According to the report, petrol station retailers invested around £18,000 into their shops over the past year, compared to £10,000 spent by non-fuel retailers. The money was put into refrigeration to help improve energy efficiency, or accommodate an expanding chilled and fresh range.

More than half of retailers installed doors on their chillers, a third fitted LED lighting, while 8% used solar panels to reduce energy costs.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “It’s essential that the government recognises the crucial role that forecourts play in their communities.

Government demands fuel-cost and forecourt review

“These businesses are community hubs in their own right, providing essential services and an ever-increasing range of products for customers along with fuel and alternative power solutions.

“The energy-support package that has been provided to forecourts has been a lifeline for many, and we encourage the government to include forecourts within the list of vulnerable sectors that need longer-term support.”

Meanwhile, the forecourt report also showed that 69% of forecourt retailers were active in charity work or local projects for their communities.

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