Fuel retail market consolidation: some European players emerge stronger

December 7 - Energy Business Review - A number of firms seem to have benefited from consolidation within the European fuel retail market.

Over the last few years, the European fuel retail market has experienced significant changes as a result of falling margins and consolidation, as well as a number of large players choosing to exit certain markets altogether. However, there are signs that this realignment has benefited some smaller companies such as Maxol and PKN Orlen, which are now emerging as dominant players.

Over the last five years, fierce competition and squeezed margins have led to significant changes in the structure of western Europe's forecourt retailing market. These changes include increasing M&A activity, a number of large oil companies exiting selected markets and a decrease in the overall number of service stations.