View source for Filling station

{{Short description|Facility that sells gasoline and diesel}}
{{Distinguish|charging station|fuelling station}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2021}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2020}}
[[File:Mattoon Service Station (pre-fabricated), angle view, National & Washington Boulevards, Culver City, California LOC 37555778230.jpg|thumb|[[Prefabrication|Pre-fabricated]] gas station, [[Culver City, California]], US 1977]]
[[File:BP filling station, Greece.jpg|thumb|Filling station in [[Argos, Peloponnese|Argos]], [[Greece]]]]

A '''filling station''' (also known as a '''gas station''' [{{small|[[American English|US]]}}] or '''petrol station''' [{{small|[[British English|UK]]/[[Australian English|AU]]}}]) is a facility that sells [[fuel]] and [[engine]] [[lubricant]]s for [[motor vehicle]]s. It serves as a local [[fuel depot]] and [[retailer]] who receive fuel products from [[refineries]] (via regular [[tank truck]] resupplies), keep the fuels in (typically underground) [[storage tank]]s, and distribute individual product to [[motorist]] [[consumer]]s at a [[gasoline and diesel usage and pricing|daily varied price]].

The most common fuels sold are [[motor fuel]]s such as [[gasoline]] (a.k.a. [[petrol]],<!--regional names in 4th paragraph--> often as multiple products according to different [[octane rating]]s) and [[diesel fuel]], as well as [[liquified petroleum gas]] (LPG, i.e. [[autogas]]), [[compressed natural gas]], [[compressed hydrogen]], [[hydrogen compressed natural gas]], [[liquid hydrogen]], [[kerosene]], [[alcohol fuel]]s (like [[methanol]], [[ethanol]], [[butanol]], and [[propanol]]), [[biofuel]]s (like [[straight vegetable oil]] and [[biodiesel]]), or other types of [[alternative fuel]]s. [[Fuel dispenser]]s are used to pump fuel into the [[fuel tank]]s within [[vehicle]]s, gauge the volume of fuel transferred to the vehicle, and calculate the financial cost of the consumer needs to pay. Besides fuel pumps, one other significant device which is also found in filling stations and can refuel certain (compressed-air) vehicles is an [[air compressor]], although generally these are just used to inflate car [[tire]]s. 

Many filling stations provide [[convenience store]]s, which may sell [[convenience food]], [[beverages]], [[tobacco]] products, [[lottery ticket]]s, [[newspapers]], [[magazines]], and, in some cases, a small selection of [[grocery store|grocery]] items, such as milk or eggs. Some also sell [[propane]] or [[butane]] and have added shops to their primary business. Conversely, some [[chain store]]s, such as [[supermarkets]], [[discount store]]s, [[warehouse club]]s, or traditional convenience stores, have provided fuel pumps on the premises.

==Terminology==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2025}}
In [[North America]], the [[colloquial]] generic term for motor fuels is "gasoline" or "gas" for short due to [[gasoline engine]]s being the most ubiquitous [[car]] [[internal combustion engine]], and the terms "'''gas station'''" and "'''service station'''" are used in the [[United States]], [[Canada]], and the [[Caribbean]]. In some regions of Canada, the term "'''gas bar'''" (or "gasbar") is used. 

In the rest of the [[English-speaking world]], the generic term for fuel is "petrol", which was originally the [[brand]] of a [[petroleum]] [[distillate]] made by [[Carless Refining and Marketing Ltd]] as a [[mineral oil]] [[solvent]]. As a result, the term "'''petrol station'''" or "'''petrol pump'''" is used in the [[United Kingdom]]. In Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa "'''garage'''" and "'''forecourt'''" are still commonly used. Similarly, in [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], the [[United Kingdom]], and [[Ireland]], the term "'''service station'''" describes any petrol station; Australians and New Zealanders also call it a "'''servo'''". In [[Indian English|India]], [[Pakistani English|Pakistan]] and [[Bangladeshi English|Bangladesh]], it is called a "'''petrol pump'''" or a "'''petrol bunk'''". In [[Japanese language|Japanese]], a commonly used term is {{nihongo foot|''gasoline stand''|ガソリンスタンド|gasorin sutando|a ''[[wasei-eigo]]'' term|group=Note}} although the [[List of Japanese Latin alphabetic abbreviations|abbreviation]] ''SS'' (for ''service station'') is also used.

==History==
[[File:WslErsteTanke.jpg|thumb|upright|The world's first "filling station", the City Pharmacy in [[Wiesloch]], Germany]]

The first known filling station was the city [[Pharmacy#Community pharmacy|pharmacy]] in [[Wiesloch]], [[Germany]], where [[Bertha Benz]] refilled the tank of the first [[automobile]] on its maiden trip from [[Mannheim]] to [[Pforzheim]] back in 1888. Shortly thereafter other pharmacies sold gasoline as a side business. Since 2008 the [[Bertha Benz Memorial Route]] commemorates this event.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170205060111/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rzK2QYQHl4&feature=related The Car is Born – A documentary about Carl and Bertha Benz]  (YouTube)</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bertha-benz.de/indexen.php?sub=2&col=b&inhalt=pers_erstetankst|title=Bertha Benz Memorial Route|access-date=10 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923183832/http://www.bertha-benz.de/indexen.php?sub=2&col=b&inhalt=pers_erstetankst|archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref>

===Brazil===
The first "''posto de gasolina''" of [[South America]] was opened in [[Santos, São Paulo]], Brazil, in 1920. It was located on Ana Costa Avenue, in front of the beach, in a corner that is located by the Hotel Atlântico, which occupies its area nowadays. It was owned by [[Esso]] and brought by Antonio Duarte Moreira, a taxi entrepreneur.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.juicysantos.com.br/vida-caicara/nostalgia-santista/desde-que-gasolina-era-com-z/|title=Desde que gasolina era com 'z'|date=2016-08-16}}</ref>

===Russia===
[[File:Modern gas station column.jpg|thumb|Modern gas station column. [[Russia]]]]
In [[Russia]], the first filling stations appeared in 1911, when the Imperial Automobile Society signed an agreement with the partnership "Br. Nobel". By 1914 about 440 stations functioned in major cities across the country.

In the mid-1960s in Moscow there were about 250 stations. A significant boost in retail network development occurred with the mass launch of the car "[[Zhiguli (car brand)|Zhiguli]]" at the [[AvtoVAZ|Volga Automobile Plant]], which was built in [[Tolyatti]] in 1970. Gasoline for other than non-private cars was sold for [[ration cards]] only. This type of payment system stopped in the midst of [[perestroika]] in the early 1990s.

Since the saturation of automobile filling stations in Russia is insufficient and lags behind the leading countries of the world, there is a need to accommodate new stations in the cities and along the roads of different levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vinso-azs.ru/articles/istoriya-razvitiya-azs-v-rossii.html|title=The history of filling stations in Russia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170707/http://vinso-azs.ru/articles/istoriya-razvitiya-azs-v-rossii.html|archive-date=2017-02-04}}</ref>

===United States===
The increase in automobile ownership after [[Henry Ford]] started to sell [[Ford Model T|automobiles that the middle class could afford]] resulted in an increased demand for filling stations. The world's first purpose-built gas station was constructed in [[St. Louis]], [[Missouri]], in 1905 at 420 South Theresa Avenue. The second station was constructed in 1907 by [[Standard Oil of California]] (now [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]]) in [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], at what is now Pier 32. Reighard's Gas Station in [[Altoona, Pennsylvania|Altoona]], [[Pennsylvania]] claims that it dates from 1909 and is the oldest existing filling station in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pennsylvania-mountains-of-attractions.com/oldest-gasoline-station.html|title=America's Oldest Gasoline Station|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605194309/http://www.pennsylvania-mountains-of-attractions.com/oldest-gasoline-station.html|archive-date=5 June 2015}}</ref>  Early on, they were known to motorists as "filling stations" and often washed vehicle windows for free.

The [[Whitehill-Gleason Motors|first "drive-in"]] filling station, [[Gulf Refining Company]], opened to the motoring public in [[Pittsburgh]] on December 1, 1913, at Baum Boulevard and St Clair's Street.<ref>[http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=364 First Drive-In Filling Station] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215050139/http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=364 |date=2010-12-15 }}, ExplorePAhistory.com</ref> Prior to this, automobile drivers pulled into almost any general or hardware store, or even blacksmith shops in order to fill up their tanks. On its first day, the station sold {{convert|30|USgal|L}} of gasoline at 27 cents per gallon (7 cents per litre). This was also the first architect-designed station and the first to distribute free road maps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nacsonline.com/YourBusiness/FuelsReports/GasPrices_2011/Pages/100PlusYearsGasolineRetailing.aspx|title=The History of Gasoline Retailing - NACS Online – Your Business – NACS Retail Fuels Reports – 2011 NACS Retail Fuels Report|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611163521/http://www.nacsonline.com/YourBusiness/FuelsReports/GasPrices_2011/Pages/100PlusYearsGasolineRetailing.aspx|archive-date=11 June 2015}}</ref> The first alternative fuel station was opened in [[San Diego]], [[California]], by [[Pearson Fuels]] in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://domesticfuel.com/2008/08/06/e85-station-opens-in-concord-california/|title=E85 Station Opens in Concord, California|work=Energy|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128210318/http://domesticfuel.com/2008/08/06/e85-station-opens-in-concord-california/|archive-date=28 November 2014|date=2008-08-06}}</ref>

[[Maryland]] officials said that on September 26, 2019, RS Automotive in [[Takoma Park, Maryland|Takoma Park]], [[Maryland]] became the first filling station in the country to convert to an [[EV charging station]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.journalnow.com/news/trending/maryland-service-station-just-became-the-nation-s-first-to/article_305d1d50-ce0f-5337-aaf2-edf9957170d2.html|title=Maryland service station just became the nation's first to ditch gasoline for electric energy|last=Holley|first=Peter|work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]]|via=[[The Washington Post]]|date=2019-09-29|access-date=2019-09-29}}</ref>

==Design and function==
{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2019}}
[[File:Shellgasstationlosthills.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Royal Dutch Shell|Shell]] station near [[Lost Hills, California]], US]]
[[File:Indian Oil Petrol Station.JPG|thumb|right|An [[IndianOil]] filling station near [[Dera Bassi]] in [[Punjab, India]]]]

The majority of filling stations are built in a similar manner, with most of the fueling installation underground, [[pump]] machines in the [[wikt:forecourt|forecourt]] and a [[point of service]] inside a building. Single or multiple [[fuel tank]]s are usually deployed underground. Local regulations and environmental concerns may require a different method, with some stations storing their fuel in container tanks, entrenched surface tanks or unprotected fuel tanks deployed on the surface. Fuel is usually offloaded from a [[tanker truck]] into each tank by gravity through a separate capped opening located on the station's perimeter. Fuel from the tanks travels to the dispenser pumps through underground pipes. For every fuel tank, direct access must be available at all times. Most tanks can be accessed through a service canal directly from the forecourt.

Older stations tend to use a separate pipe for every kind of available fuel and for every dispenser. Newer stations may employ a single pipe for every dispenser. This pipe houses a number of smaller pipes for the individual fuel types. Fuel tanks, dispenser and nozzles used to fill car tanks employ [[vapor recovery]] systems, which prevents releases of vapor into the atmosphere with a system of pipes. The exhausts are placed as high as possible. A vapor recovery system may be employed at the exhaust pipe. This system collects the vapors, liquefies them and releases them back into the lowest grade fuel tank available.

The forecourt is the part of a filling station where vehicles are refueled. Gasoline pumps are placed on concrete plinths, as a precautionary measure against collision by motor vehicles. Additional elements may be employed, including metal barriers. The area around the gasoline pumps must have a drainage system. Since fuel sometimes spills onto the pavement, as little of it as possible should remain.  Any liquids present on the forecourt will flow into a [[channel drain]] before it enters a [[petrol interceptor]] which is designed to capture any [[hydrocarbon]] [[pollutants]] and filter these from rainwater which may then proceed to a [[sanitary sewer]], [[stormwater drain]], or to ground.

If a filling station allows customers to pay at the dispenser, the data from the dispenser may be transmitted via [[RS-232]], [[RS-485]] or [[Ethernet]] to the point of sale, usually inside the filling station's building, and fed into the station's cash register operating system. The cash register system gives a limited control over the gasoline pump, and is usually limited to allowing the clerks to turn the pumps on and off. A separate system is used to monitor the fuel tank's status and quantities of fuel. With sensors directly in the fuel tank, the data is fed to a terminal in the back room, where it can be downloaded or printed out. Sometimes this method is bypassed, with the fuel tank data transmitted directly to an external database.

===Underground filling stations===
The underground modular filling station is a construction model for filling stations that was developed and patented by [[U-Cont Oy Ltd]] in [[Finland]] in 1993. Afterwards the same system was used in [[Florida]], US. Above-ground modular stations were built in the 1980s in [[Eastern Europe]] and especially in Soviet Union, but they were not built in other parts of [[Europe]] due to the stations' lack of safety in case of fire.

The construction model for underground modular filling station makes the installation time shorter, designing easier and manufacturing less expensive. As a proof of the model's installation speed an unofficial world record of filling station installation was made by U-Cont Oy Ltd when a modular filling station was built in Helsinki, Finland in less than three days, including groundwork. The safety of modular filling stations has been tested in a filling station simulator, in [[Kuopio]], Finland. These tests have included for instance burning cars and explosions in the station simulator.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.erpecnews.com/fileadmin/pdf/erpecnews19_europe.pdf |title=erpecnews19_europe |access-date=2010-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613214900/http://erpecnews.com/fileadmin/pdf/erpecnews19_europe.pdf |archive-date=2010-06-13 }}</ref><ref>[http://u-cont.com/index-en/products/filling_stations.html Ucont]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=KAP03 |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Negative impacts==
===Human health===
Gasoline contains a mixture of [[BTX (chemistry)|BTEX]] hydrocarbons ([[benzene]], [[toluene]], [[ethylbenzene]], [[xylenes]]). Prolonged exposure to toluene can cause permanent damage to the [[central nervous system]], and chlorinated solvents can cause liver and kidney problems.<ref name="Adipah 2019 pp. 1–9">{{cite journal | last=Adipah | first=Sylvia | title=Introduction of Petroleum Hydrocarbons Contaminants and its Human Effects | journal=Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health | publisher=Fortune Journals | volume=3 | issue=1 | date=2019-01-07 | pages=1–9 | url=https://www.fortuneonline.org/articles/introduction-of-petroleum-hydrocarbons-contaminants-and-its-human-effects.html | access-date=2023-09-28}}</ref> Benzene in particular causes [[leukemia]] and is associated with [[non-Hodgkin lymphoma]] and [[multiple myeloma]].<ref name="Hsieh Shearston Hilpert 2021 pp. 273–283">{{cite journal | last1=Hsieh | first1=Pei Yang | last2=Shearston | first2=Jenni A. | last3=Hilpert | first3=Markus | title=Benzene emissions from gas station clusters: a new framework for estimating lifetime cancer risk | journal=Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=19 | issue=1 | date=2021-01-07 | issn=2052-336X | doi=10.1007/s40201-020-00601-w | pages=273–283| pmid=34150235 | pmc=8172828 | bibcode=2021JEHSE..19..273H }}</ref> People who work in filling stations, live near them, or attend school close to them are exposed to fumes and are at increased lifetime risk of cancer, with risk increased if there are multiple stations nearby.<ref name="Hsieh Shearston Hilpert 2021 pp. 273–283"/> There is some evidence that living near a filling station is a risk for [[childhood leukemia]].<ref name="Steinmaus Smith 2016 pp. 5–7">{{cite journal | last1=Steinmaus | first1=Craig | last2=Smith | first2=Martyn T. | title=Steinmaus and Smith Respond to "Proximity to Gasoline Stations and Childhood Leukemia" | journal=American Journal of Epidemiology | publisher=Oxford University Press (OUP) | volume=185 | issue=1 | date=2016-12-06 | issn=0002-9262 | doi=10.1093/aje/kww133 | pages=5–7| doi-access=free | pmid=27923799 | pmc=6267941 }}</ref><ref name="Malavolti Malagoli Filippini Wise 2023 pp. 771–782">{{cite journal | last1=Malavolti | first1=Marcella | last2=Malagoli | first2=Carlotta | last3=Filippini | first3=Tommaso | last4=Wise | first4=Lauren A | last5=Bellelli | first5=Alessio | last6=Palazzi | first6=Giovanni | last7=Cellini | first7=Monica | last8=Costanzini | first8=Sofia | last9=Teggi | first9=Sergio | last10=Vinceti | first10=Marco | title=Residential proximity to petrol stations and risk of childhood leukemia | journal=European Journal of Epidemiology | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=38 | issue=7 | date=2023-05-30 | issn=0393-2990 | doi=10.1007/s10654-023-01009-0 | pages=771–782| doi-access=free | pmid=37249787 | pmc=10275799 | hdl=11380/1312586 | hdl-access=free }}</ref> In addition to long-term exposure, there are bursts of short-term exposures to benzene when [[tanker truck]]s deliver fuel.<ref name="Canada.ca 2023 c663">{{cite web | title=Benzene releases from gasoline stations — Implications for human health | publisher = Health Canada | date=2023-03-10 | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/benzene-releases-gasoline-stations-implications-human-health.html | access-date=2023-09-27}}</ref> 
High levels of benzene have been detected near stations across urban, suburban, and rural environments, though the causes (such as road traffic or congestion) can vary by location.<ref name="Karakitsios Delis Kassomenos Pilidis 2007 pp. 1889–1902">{{cite journal | last1=Karakitsios | first1=Spyros P. | last2=Delis | first2=Vasileios K. | last3=Kassomenos | first3=Pavlos A. | last4=Pilidis | first4=Georgios A. | title=Contribution to ambient benzene concentrations in the vicinity of petrol stations: Estimation of the associated health risk | journal=Atmospheric Environment | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=41 | issue=9 | year=2007 | issn=1352-2310 | doi=10.1016/j.atmosenv.2006.10.052 | pages=1889–1902| bibcode=2007AtmEn..41.1889K }}</ref>

Gas station attendants have suffered adverse health consequences depending on the type of fuel used, exposure to vehicle exhaust, and types of [[personal protective equipment]] (PPE) offered. Studies have noted higher levels of [[chromosomal deletion]]s<ref name="Santos-Mello Cavalcante 1992 pp. 285–290">{{cite journal | last1=Santos-Mello | first1=Renato | last2=Cavalcante | first2=Berenice | title=Cytogenetic studies on gas station attendants | journal=Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=280 | issue=4 | year=1992 | issn=0165-1218 | doi=10.1016/0165-1218(92)90059-9 | pages=285–290| pmid=1382230 }}</ref> and higher rates of [[miscarriage]],<ref name="Silvestre Delmonico Bravo Santiago 2017 pp. 730–734">{{cite journal | last1=Silvestre | first1=Rafaele T. | last2=Delmonico | first2=Lucas | last3=Bravo | first3=Maryah | last4=Santiago | first4=Fábio | last5=Scherrer | first5=Luciano R. | last6=Moreira | first6=Aline dos Santos | last7=Tabalipa | first7=Marianne | last8=Otero | first8=Ubirani | last9=Ornellas | first9=Maria Helena F. | last10=Alves | first10=Gilda | title=Health survey and assessment of the polymorphisms''BRCA1''/P871L,''BRCA1''/Q356R, and''BRCA2''/N372H in female gas station workers in Rio de Janeiro | journal=Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis | publisher=Wiley | volume=58 | issue=9 | date=2017-09-01 | issn=0893-6692 | doi=10.1002/em.22120 | pages=730–734| pmid=28862356 | bibcode=2017EnvMM..58..730S | s2cid=20739774 }}</ref> and workers have reported headaches, fatigue, throat irritation and depression.<ref name="Al-Harbi Alhajri AlAwadhi Whalen 2020 p. 117847">{{cite journal | last1=Al-Harbi | first1=Meshari | last2=Alhajri | first2=Ibrahim | last3=AlAwadhi | first3=AlAnood | last4=Whalen | first4=Joann K. | title=Health symptoms associated with occupational exposure of gasoline station workers to BTEX compounds | journal=Atmospheric Environment | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=241 | year=2020 | issn=1352-2310 | doi=10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117847 | article-number=117847| bibcode=2020AtmEn.24117847A | s2cid=224870129 }}</ref> Exposure to exhaust and fumes has been associated with eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, and cough.<ref name="Johnson Umoren 2018 pp. 47–57">{{cite journal | last1=Johnson | first1=O.E. | last2=Umoren | first2=Q.M. | title=Assessment of occupational hazards, health problems and safety practices of petrol station attendants in Uyo, Nigeria | journal=Journal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care | volume=30 | issue=1 | date=2018-03-22 | issn=1115-4608 | pages=47–57 | url=https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/168634 | access-date=2023-09-29}}</ref>

===Environment===
Gasoline can leak into the surrounding soil and water, posing many health risks.<ref name="Hilpert Mora Ni Rule 2015 pp. 412–422">{{cite journal | last1=Hilpert | first1=Markus | last2=Mora | first2=Bernat Adria | last3=Ni | first3=Jian | last4=Rule | first4=Ana M. | last5=Nachman | first5=Keeve E. | title=Hydrocarbon Release During Fuel Storage and Transfer at Gas Stations: Environmental and Health Effects | journal=Current Environmental Health Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=2 | issue=4 | date=2015-10-05 | issn=2196-5412 | doi=10.1007/s40572-015-0074-8 | pages=412–422| doi-access=free | pmid=26435043 | bibcode=2015CEHR....2..412H }}</ref> Areas formerly occupied by filling stations are often contaminated, resulting in [[brownfield]]s and [[urban blight]]. Underground storage tanks (USTs) were typically made of steel and were common in the United States, but were prone to corrosion. They began to receive national attention in 1983 after an episode of ''[[60 Minutes]]'' documented significant drinking water contamination from a [[Mobil]] gas station in the Canob Park neighborhood  of [[Richmond, Rhode Island]]. It had been determined that the station's underground tanks had been leaking gasoline into the local water system since the station opened in 1968.<ref name="Detz 2015 g977">{{cite web | last=Detz | first=Joanna | title=Rural Rhode Island Town at Epicenter of Leaking Fuel Tank Story | website=ecoRI News | date=2015-05-20 | url=https://ecori.org/2015-5-20-rural-ri-town-at-epicenter-of-leaking-fuel-tank-story/ | access-date=2023-10-13}}</ref> This led to regulations banning these types of tanks in 1985.<ref name="epa14-05">{{cite report | url=https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/280921/files/NCEE2014-05.pdf | title=Prevention, cleanup, and reuse benefits from the federal UST program | last1=Jenkins | first1=Robin R. | last2=Guignet | first2=Dennis | last3=Walsh | first3=Patrick J. | institution=U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | year=2014 | access-date=2023-10-13}}</ref> However, tanks at gas stations that ceased operation before 1986 are unlikely to have been recorded, and many old underground gasoline and oil storage tanks are thus unknowingly buried beneath redeveloped land, contributing to soil, groundwater, and indoor air pollution.<ref name="Yasenchak 2009 pp. 144–152">{{cite journal | last=Yasenchak | first=Leah Benedict | title=Research Article: What We Know About the Ubiquitous Brownfield: A Case Study of Two New Jersey Cities and Their Gas Stations | journal=Environmental Practice | publisher=Informa UK Limited | volume=11 | issue=3 | year=2009 | issn=1466-0466 | doi=10.1017/s1466046609990123 | pages=144–152| s2cid=129447620 }}</ref>

Because of the relatively small size of former stations (compared to larger brownfields), the cost-per-acre to rehabilitate the land is higher; the total cost in the United States is not known but is in the billions of dollars.<ref name="Yasenchak 2009 pp. 144–152"/> Individual cleanups may be complex, with some in Canada taking decades and costing millions of dollars both for the cleanup efforts and in legal fees to determine whether individuals, governments, or corporations are liable for costs.<ref name="Narwhal 2022 c263">{{cite web | last=Anderson | first=Drew | title=A Petro-Canada gas station polluted their land decades ago — they're still fighting to get it cleaned up | website=The Narwhal | date=2022-01-08 | url=https://thenarwhal.ca/airdrie-motel-alberta-oil-contamination/ | access-date=2023-09-27}}</ref>

===Economic costs===
The cost of potential cleanup of a former filling station can lower property values, discourage development of land, and depress neighbouring property values and potential tax revenue.<ref name="Yasenchak 2009 pp. 144–152"/> When areas are known to be contaminated by leaking underground storage tanks, the sale value of the land and neighbouring area drops.<ref name="Simons Levin Sementelli 1997 pp. 29–42">{{cite journal | last1=Simons | first1=Robert | last2=Levin | first2=William | last3=Sementelli | first3=Arthur | title=The Effect of Underground Storage Tanks on Residential Property Values in Cuyahoga County, Ohio | journal=Journal of Real Estate Research | publisher=Informa UK Limited | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=1997-01-01 | issn=0896-5803 | doi=10.1080/10835547.1997.12090890 | pages=29–42}}</ref><ref name="simonsrobert">{{cite journal | last1 = Simons | first1 = Robert A. | last2 = Bowen | first2 = William M. | last3 = Sementelli | first3 = Arthur J. | title = The price and liquidity effects of UST leaks from gas stations on adjacent contaminated property | journal = The Appraisal Journal | volume = 67 | issue = 2 | year = 1999 | page = 186}}</ref> An analysis of residential properties in [[Cuyahoga County, Ohio]] estimated the loss at about 17% when within {{convert|300|feet|metres}} or one block of a registered leaking tank.<ref name="Simons Levin Sementelli 1997 pp. 29–42"/> Active filling stations have similar negative effects on property values, with an analysis in [[Xuancheng]], China finding a loss of 16% within {{convert|100|metres|feet}} and 9% when between {{convert|301|metres|feet}} and {{convert|600|metres|feet}}.<ref name="Zhao Liu Chen 2017 pp. 66–85">{{cite journal | last1=Zhao | first1=Qinna | last2=Liu | first2=Mengling | last3=Chen | first3=Qi | title=The Impacts of Gasoline Stations on Residential Property Values: A Case Study in Xuancheng, China | journal=Journal of Sustainable Real Estate | publisher=Informa UK Limited | volume=9 | issue=1 | date=2017-11-01 | issn=1949-8276 | doi=10.1080/10835547.2017.12091901 | pages=66–85| doi-access=free }}</ref>

==Marketing==
===North America===
In the United States and Canada, there are generally two marketing types of filling stations: premium brands and discount brands.

====Premium brands====
[[File:Hydrogen fueling nozzle.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Hydrogen station|Hydrogen fueling nozzle]]]]
Filling stations with ''premium brands'' sell well-recognized and often international brands of fuel, including [[Exxon]]/[[Mobil]] and its [[Esso]] brand, [[Phillips 66|Phillips 66/Conoco/76]], [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]], [[Mobil]], [[Shell Oil Company|Shell]], [[Husky Energy]], [[Sunoco]] (US), [[BP]], [[Valero Energy Corporation|Valero]] and [[Texaco]]. Non-international premium brands include [[Petrobras]], [[Petro-Canada]] (owned by Suncor Energy Canada), [[QuikTrip]], [[Hess Corporation|Hess]], [[Sinclair Oil|Sinclair]], and [[Pemex]]. Premium-brand stations accept [[credit card]]s, often issue their own company cards ([[fuel cards]] or fleet cards) and may charge higher prices. In some cases, fuel cards for customers with a lower fuel consumption are ordered not directly from an oil company, but from an intermediary. Many premium brands have fully automated pay-at-the-pump facilities. Premium stations tend to be highly visible from [[highway]] and [[freeway]] exits, utilizing tall signs to display their brand logos.

====Discount brands====
Discount brands are often smaller, regional chains or independent stations, offering lower fuel prices. Most purchase wholesale commodity gasoline from independent suppliers or the major petroleum companies. Lower-priced stations are also found at some [[supermarket]]s ([[Albertsons]], [[Kroger]], [[Big Y]], [[Ingles]], [[Lowes Foods]], [[The Giant Company|Giant]], [[Weis Markets]], [[Safeway]], [[Hy-Vee]], [[Vons]], [[Meijer]], [[Loblaw Companies|Loblaws/Real Canadian Superstore]], and [[Giant Eagle]]), [[convenience store]]s ([[7-Eleven]], [[Circle K]], [[Cumberland Farms]], [[QuickChek]], [[Road Ranger]], [[Sheetz]], [[Speedway (store)|Speedway]] and [[Wawa (company)|Wawa]]), [[Discount store#Discount department store|discount stores]] ([[Walmart]], [[Canadian Tire]]) and [[warehouse club]]s ([[Costco]], [[Sam's Club]], and [[BJ's Wholesale Club]]). At some stations (such as [[Vons]], [[Costco]] gas stations,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-08 |title=Find Costco Gas Price & Nearby Stations (August 2023) |url=https://costcogasprice.org/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-08-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820230522/https://costcogasprice.org/ }}</ref> [[BJ's Wholesale Club]], or [[Sam's Club]]), consumers are required to hold a special [[Loyalty program|membership card]] to be eligible for the discounted price, or pay only with the chain's [[gift card|cash card]], debt card or a credit card issuer exclusive to that chain. In some areas, such as [[New Jersey]], this practice is illegal, and stations are required to sell to all at the same price. Some convenience stores, such as [[7-Eleven]] and [[Circle K]], have co-branded their stations with one of the premium brands. After the Gulf Oil company was sold to Chevron, northeastern retail units were sold off as a chain, with Cumberland Farms controlling the remaining [[Gulf Oil]] outlets in the United States.

===State-controlled stations===
Some countries have only one brand of filling station. In Malaysia, Shell is the dominant player by number of stations, with government-owned [[Petronas]] coming in second. In Indonesia, the dominant player by number of stations is the government-owned [[Pertamina]], although other companies such as [[TotalEnergies]] and Shell are increasingly found in big cities such as the capital [[Jakarta]] or [[Surabaya]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.migas.esdm.go.id/tracking/berita-kemigasan/detil/255662/April,-Peralihan-ke-SPBU-Asing-Makin-Marak |title=Ditjen Migas :: Media Tracking / April,-Peralihan-ke-SPBU-Asing-Makin-Marak |access-date=2011-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317173619/http://www.migas.esdm.go.id/tracking/berita-kemigasan/detil/255662/April,-Peralihan-ke-SPBU-Asing-Makin-Marak |archive-date=2012-03-17 }}</ref> In Taiwan, the government-owned [[CPC Corporation]] is the dominant player by number of stations, with the privately owned and operated [[Formosa Petrochemical|Formosa Petrochemical Corporation]] and {{ill|全國加油站|lt=NPC|zh}} respectively in second and third place.

===Global and local branding===
[[File:EneosGasStation.JPG|thumbnail|right|An ENEOS filling station near Mount Fuji in Japan]]
Some companies, such as Shell, use their brand worldwide, however, Chevron uses its inherited brand [[Caltex]] in Asia Pacific, Australia and Africa, and its [[Texaco]] brand in Europe and Latin America. [[ExxonMobil]] uses its [[Exxon]] and [[Mobil]] brands but is still known as [[Esso]] (the forerunner company name, Standard Oil or S.O.) in many places, most noticeably in Canada and Singapore.

In Brazil, the main operators are [[Vibra Energia]] and [[Petroleo Ipiranga|Ipiranga]], but Esso and Shell ([[Raízen]]) are also present.

In Mexico, the historical monopoly filling station operator, and still the largest, is [[Pemex]], but ever since Mexico's energy laws were gradually liberalized starting from 2013, foreign brands such as Shell, [[BP]], Mobil and [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]], as well as the country's largest convenience store chain [[Oxxo]], have also started operating filling stations.

In the United Kingdom, the three largest are BP, Esso and Shell; the "Big Four" supermarket chains, [[Morrisons]], [[Sainsbury's]], [[Asda]] and [[Tesco]], also operate filling stations, as well as some smaller supermarket chains such as [[The Co-operative Group]] and [[Waitrose]].

In Poland, the three largest operators are the partially state-owned [[Orlen|PKN Orlen]] (including acquisitions [[Grupa Lotos]] and [[Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo|PGNiG]]), followed by Shell and BP. Smaller operators include [[Auchan]], {{ill|AVIA International|de}}, [[Circle K]], [[MOL (company)|MOL Group]] and [[Żabka (convenience store)|Żabka]].

In Australia, the major operators are [[Ampol]], BP, Chevron Australia ([[Caltex]]), [[EG Australia]], [[ExxonMobil Australia]] (Mobil), [[Puma Energy]], [[United Petroleum]] and [[Viva Energy]] (mostly under the dual Shell-[[Coles Express]] branding). Smaller operators include [[Costco]], [[Liberty Oil]], [[Seven & I Holdings|Seven & i Holdings]] (operates servos under the [[7-Eleven]] convenience store branding) and [[Shell Australia]].

In India, the three major operators are the [[Public sector undertakings|state-owned]] [[Hindustan Petroleum]], [[Bharat Petroleum]] and [[Indian Oil Corporation]], which together control approximately 87% of the market. Foreign brands such as BP (joint venture with [[Reliance Industries]], branded as [[Jio-bp]]) and Shell are also present.

In Japan, the four major operators are: [[Cosmo Oil Company|Cosmo Oil]], [[Idemitsu Kosan|Idemitsu]] (under the brand names ''apollostation'' and ''Idemitsu''),
[[JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy|ENEOS Corporation]] (under the brand names ''ENEOS'', ''Express'' and ''General'') and [[San-Ai Oil]] (under the brand name ''Kygnus''). Smaller operators include: [[Japan Agricultural Cooperatives]] (under the brand name {{ill|JA-SS|ja}}, except in Hokkaido where the brand name is {{Nihongo|''Hokuren-SS''|ホクレンSS|}} operated by {{ill|Hokuren Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives|ja|ホクレン農業協同組合連合会}}) and [[Mitsubishi Group]] (operates self-service stations under the [[Lawson (store)|Lawson convenience store branding]]). Previously, foreign filling station brands were also present in Japan: mainly Shell (operated by Idemitsu since its acquisition of [[Showa Shell Sekiyu]] in 2018–19, all rebranded to ''apollostation'' by 2023), Esso and Mobil (last operated by ENEOS Corporation under license from ExxonMobil, all rebranded to ENEOS in 2019).

==Payment methods==
===Australia and New Zealand===
Most service stations allow the customer to pump the fuel before paying. In recent years, some service stations have required customers to purchase their fuel first. In some small towns, the customer may hand the cash to the attendant on the forecourt if they are paying for a set amount of fuel and have no change; but usually customers will enter the service centre to pay a cashier. Some supermarkets have their own forecourts which are unmanned and payment is pay-at-pump only. Customers at the supermarket will receive a discount voucher which offers discounted fuel at their forecourt. The amount of discount varies depending on the amount spent on groceries at the supermarket, but normally starts at 4 cents a litre.

In New Zealand, BP has an [[mobile app|app for smartphones]] that detects a user's location, then allows one to select the type of fuel, which pump, and how much to spend. The amount is then deducted from the user's account.

===Canada===
In British Columbia and Alberta, it is a legal requirement that customers either pre-pay for the fuel or pay at the pump. The law is called "Grant's Law"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-to-implement-grant-s-law-to-protect-gas-station-workers-1.616126 |work=CBC News |title=B.C. to implement 'Grant's Law' to protect gas station workers |date=2006-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530143544/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-to-implement-grant-s-law-to-protect-gas-station-workers-1.616126 |archive-date=May 30, 2009 }}</ref> and is intended to prevent "gas-and-dash" crimes, where a customer refuels and then drives away without paying for it.
In other provinces, payment after filling is permitted and widely available, though some stations may require either a pre-payment or a payment at the pump during night hours.

===Ireland===
In the Republic of Ireland, most stations allow customers to pump fuel before paying. Some stations have pay-at-the-pump facilities.

===United Kingdom===
[[File:Central Garage, Boston Spa - geograph.org.uk - 618283.jpg|thumb|right|A small independent filling station in [[Boston Spa]], West Yorkshire, England]]

A large majority of stations allow customers to pay with a [[chip and pin]] payment card or pay in the shop. Many have a [[pay at the pump]] system, where customers can enter their [[personal identification number|PIN]] prior to refueling.

===United States===
Pre-payment is the norm in the US and customers may typically pay either at the pump or inside the gas station. Modern stations have pay-at-the-pump functions: in most cases credit, [[debit card|debit]], [[automatic teller machine|ATM]] cards, [[fuel card]]s and [[fleet card]]s are accepted. Occasionally a station will have a pay-at-the-pump-only period per day, when attendants are not present, often at night, and some stations are pay-at-the-pump only 24 hours a day.<ref>Brian Jones. (2023). [https://theallcarwash.com/24-hour-gas-station-near-me/ Find 24 Hour Gas Station/Filling Station Near You] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726223632/https://theallcarwash.com/24-hour-gas-station-near-me/ |date=2023-07-26 }} | WW AY</ref>

==Types of service==
[[File:Cambodia gas station.jpg|thumb|A filling station on the road from the Thai border to [[Siem Reap]], Cambodia]]
Filling stations typically offer one of three types of service to their customers: full service, minimum service or self-service.

;Full service
:An [[Filling station attendant|attendant]] operates the pumps, often wipes the windshield, and sometimes checks the vehicle's oil level and tire pressure, then collects payment and perhaps a small tip.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whatever-happened-tothose-full-service-gas-stations-fred-kienle?trk=portfolio_article-card_title|work=linkedin.com|title=Whatever Happened To...Those Full-Service Gas Stations...?|author=Fred Kienle|date=Jan 21, 2018}}</ref>

;Minimum service
:An attendant operates the pumps. This is often required due to legislation that prohibits customers from operating the pumps.

;Self service
:The customer performs all required service. Signs informing the customer of filling procedures and cautions are displayed on each pump. Customers can still enter a store or go to a booth to give payment to a person.

;Unstaffed
:Using [[cardlock]] (or pay-at-the-pump) system, these are completely unstaffed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myhusky.ca/your_business/facilities/standalone_cardlock.html|title=Husky Cardlocks – MyHusky.ca|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523034909/http://www.myhusky.ca/your_business/facilities/standalone_cardlock.html|archive-date=23 May 2013}}</ref>

===Brazil===
[[File:Postodegasolinafeiradesantana.jpg|thumb|right|[[Royal Dutch Shell]] station in [[Feira de Santana]], Brazil]]

In Brazil, self-service fuel filling is illegal, due to a federal law enacted in 2000. The law was introduced by Federal Deputy [[Aldo Rebelo]], who claims it saved 300,000 [[Filling station attendant|fuel attendant]] jobs across the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ministro Aldo Rebelo comenta artigo sobre baixo crescimento|url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/paineldoleitor/2015/02/1593346-ministro-aldo-rebelo-comenta-artigo-sobre-baixo-crescimento.shtml|newspaper=[[Folha de S.Paulo]]|date=2015-02-23|author=Aldo Rebelo|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226151143/http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/paineldoleitor/2015/02/1593346-ministro-aldo-rebelo-comenta-artigo-sobre-baixo-crescimento.shtml|archive-date=2015-02-26}}</ref>

===Japan===
[[File:Lawson Shingu Misaki3.JPG|thumb|A [[Lawson (store)|Lawson]] self-service station with attached convenience store in [[Shingū, Fukuoka|Shingū]], [[Fukuoka Prefecture|Fukuoka]], Japan]]

Before 1998, filling stations in Japan were entirely full-service stations. Self-service stations were legalized in Japan in 1998 following the abolition of the Special Petroleum Law, which led to the deregulation of the petroleum industry in Japan. Under current safety regulations, while motorists are able to self-dispense fuel at self-service stations, generally identified in Japanese as {{Nihongo||セルフ|serufu}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/news/gas-stations-in-japan/|title=Gas Stations in Japan - How to fill up|website=realestate-tokyo.com|access-date=2018-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226211639/http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/news/gas-stations-in-japan/|archive-date=2018-02-26}}</ref> at least one fuel attendant must be on hand to keep watch over potential safety violations and to render assistance to motorists whenever necessary.

===South Korea===
[[File: 20150127과천주유소27.jpg|thumb|[[GS Caltex]] full-service station in [[Gwacheon]], [[Gyeonggi Province|Gyeonggi]], South Korea]]

Filling stations in South Korea offer a variety of services, such as providing bottled water or tissues, and cleaning free of charge. But most have switched to self-service.<ref>[https://www.chosun.com/economy/industry-company/2023/11/03/SBK5VOXKP5BUTNDN6S3IE2KEVU/ 이제 전국 주유소의 절반 넘었다… '셀프 전성시대'] - The Chosun Daily</ref> Some large full-service stations have many services, such as tire pressure charging, automatic car washing, and self-cleaning. Some of them are free to gas customers who spend more than a certain amount.

===North America===
[[File:Self-Serve Gas Map.png|left|thumb|Red counties do not permit self-service. Blue counties require full-service, but allow stations to permit self-service.]]
In the past, filling stations in the United States offered a choice between ''full service'' and ''self service''. Before 1970, full service was the norm, and self-service was rare. Today, few stations advertise or provide full service. Full service stations are more common in wealthy and upscale areas. The cost of full service is usually assessed as a fixed amount per US gallon.

The first self-service station in the United States was in [[Los Angeles]], opened in 1947 by Frank Urich.<ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://www.nacsonline.com/Magazine/PastIssues/2011/October2011/Pages/Feature8.aspx
| title        = Self-Serve Evolution
| last         = Hamaker
| first        = Sarah
| date         = October 2011
| website      = The Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150311001247/http://www.nacsonline.com/Magazine/PastIssues/2011/October2011/Pages/Feature8.aspx
| archive-date = 2015-03-11
}}</ref> In [[Canada]], the first self-service station opened in [[Winnipeg]], [[Manitoba]], in 1949. It was operated by the independent company Henderson Thriftway Petroleum, owned by Bill Henderson.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/historic/33017474.html |title=P is for Pump |newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press |access-date=2010-01-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001170529/http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/historic/33017474.html |archive-date=2012-10-01 |date=2008-08-22 |last1=Gackle |first1=Paul }}</ref>

[[File:Mobil gas station in Belmont, California.jpg|thumb|right|A typical US filling station, like this [[Mobil]] station in [[Belmont, California]]]]
[[File:Petrocan gasbar, 8th St, Saskatoon.JPG|thumb|right|A typical Canadian station, like this [[Petro-Canada]] station in [[Saskatoon, Saskatchewan]]]]
[[File:Sheetz canopy.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Sheetz]] station with several pumps in [[Breezewood, Pennsylvania]], US]]

In New Jersey, filling stations offer only full service (and mini service); attendants there are required to pump gasoline for customers. Customers, in fact, are prohibited by law from pumping their own gasoline. The only exception to this within New Jersey is at the filling station next to [[Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst|Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst]] in [[Wrightstown, New Jersey|Wrightstown]]. New Jersey prohibited self-service in 1949, with the passage of "Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act," after lobbying by service station owners. That laws states that "Because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel, it is in the public interest that gasoline station operators have the control needed over that activity to ensure compliance with appropriate safety procedures, including turning off vehicle engines and refraining from smoking while fuel is dispensed."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Department of Labor and Workforce Development {{!}} Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act and Regulations|url=https://www.nj.gov/labor/lsse/laws/Retail_Gasoline_Act_and_Regs.html#19611|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.nj.gov}}</ref> Proponents of the prohibition cite safety and jobs as reasons to keep the ban.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Genovese|first=Peter|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopedianewj00luri|title=Encyclopedia of New Jersey|publisher=[[Rutgers University Press]]|year=2004|isbn=978-0-8135-3325-4|editor-last=Lurie|editor-first=Maxine N.|place=[[Piscataway, New Jersey]]|pages=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopedianewj00luri/page/n321 295]|contribution=Full-service gas stations|editor2-last=Mappen|editor2-first=Marc|url-access=limited}}</ref> Of note, the ban does not apply to the pumping of diesel fuel at filling stations (though individual filling stations may prohibit this); nor does it apply to the pumping of gasoline into boats or aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Department of Labor and Workforce Development {{!}} Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act and Regulations|url=https://www.nj.gov/labor/lsse/laws/Retail_Gasoline_Act_and_Regs.html#19611|access-date=2021-10-22|website=www.nj.gov}}</ref>

[[Oregon]] prohibited self-service in a 1951 statute prohibiting that listed 17 different justifications, including [[flammability]], the risk of crime from customers leaving their vehicles, toxic fumes, and the jobs created by requiring mini service.<ref>[[Oregon Revised Statutes|ORS]] 480.315. {{cite web|title=Chapter 480|url=https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.html|access-date=2008-06-24|work=Oregon Revised Statutes, 2007 edition|publisher=Legislative Counsel Committee of the [[Oregon Legislative Assembly]]}}</ref>  In 1982 Oregon voters rejected a ballot measure sponsored by the service station owners, which would have legalized self-service.<ref>Ballot Measure 4 of 1982 was titled "Permits Self-Service Dispensing of Motor Vehicle Fuel at Retail" and failed with 440,824 votes in favor and 597,970 against. {{cite web |year=2008 |title=Initiative, Referendum and Recall: 1980–1987 |url=https://sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Documents/elections/initiative.pdf |access-date=2008-06-24 |work=[[Oregon Blue Book]]}}</ref>  Oregon legislators passed a bill that was signed into law by the Governor in May 2017 to allow self-service for counties with a total population of 40,000 or less beginning in January 2018.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |date=30 December 2017 |title=Many central Oregon gas stations to pass on self-service |publisher=Associated Press |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2017/12/many_central_oregon_gas_statio.html |access-date=2 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231004542/http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2017/12/many_central_oregon_gas_statio.html |archive-date=31 December 2017}}</ref> [[Governor of Oregon|Governor]] [[Tina Kotek]] passed a law allowing for it in 2023, but stations are still required to provide full-serve for customers who want it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Andy |date=2023-08-06 |title=Oregon drivers are now allowed to pump their own fuel after the state lifted a ban dating back to 1951 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/06/us/oregon-drivers-pump-own-fuel-law/index.html |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

The constitutionality of the self-service bans has been disputed. The Oregon statute was brought into court in 1989 by [[ARCO]], and the New Jersey statute was challenged in court in 1950 by a small independent service station, Rein Motors. Both challenges failed. Former New Jersey governor [[Jon Corzine]] sought to lift the ban on self-service for New Jersey. He asserted that it would be able to lower gas prices, but some New Jerseyans argued that it could cause drawbacks, especially unemployment.{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}

The town of [[Huntington, New York]] has prohibited self-service stations since the early 1970s firstly to prevent theft and later due to safety concerns.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-04|title=Long Island Town May Finally Give Gas Station Owners Option Of Having Self-Service Pumps|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/12/04/self-service-gas-stations-huntington-long-island/|access-date=2020-06-10|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-02|title=Huntington may lift ban on self-service gas pumps {{!}} Newsday|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/huntington-self-service-gas-station-1.38962611|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202144404/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/huntington-self-service-gas-station-1.38962611|archive-date=2019-12-02|access-date=2020-06-10}}</ref>

The towns of [[Arlington, Massachusetts]] and [[Weymouth, Massachusetts]] have also prohibited self-service stations since 1975 and 1977, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-05-25|title=Session 9 picks up, rejects self-service gas, begins zoning articles|url=https://www.yourarlington.com/arlington-archives/town-school/town-meeting/20373-tm22-9.html|access-date=2024-08-07|language=en-US|archive-date=2024-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807225410/https://www.yourarlington.com/arlington-archives/town-school/town-meeting/20373-tm22-9.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-05-02|title=Massachusetts Town Votes to Block Self-Serve Gas Stations|url=https://www.convenience.org/Media/Daily/2013/ND0502132|access-date=2024-08-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-29|title=Ban on self-service pumps remains firm|url=https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/weymouth-news/2019/04/29/ban-on-self-service-pumps/5313886007/|access-date=2024-08-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-26|title=Weymouth holds tight to 41-year ban on self-service gas pumps|url=https://www.patriotledger.com/story/news/2019/04/26/weymouth-holds-tight-to-41/5314803007/|access-date=2024-08-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-11-14|title=No pumping your own gas in Weymouth|url=https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/noprimarytagmatch/2013/11/14/no-pumping-your-own-gas-in-weymouth/|access-date=2024-08-07|language=en-US}}</ref> 

Contrary to popular belief, lit cigarettes are not capable of igniting [[gasoline]]. However, several states outlaw smoking at gas stations as the fire from the ignition source used to light the cigarette can ignite gasoline vapors. Most gas stations and many municipalities will also explicitly ban any smoking activity within certain distances of gasoline pumps.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Marcus |first1=Howard A. |last2=Geiman |first2=Justin A. |date=2014-11-01 |title=The Propensity of Lit Cigarettes to Ignite Gasoline Vapors |journal=Fire Technology |language=en |volume=50 |issue=6 |pages=1391–1412 |doi=10.1007/s10694-013-0380-3 |s2cid=254511285 |issn=1572-8099}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Code of Virginia :: Title 46.2 MOTOR VEHICLES. :: Chapter 8 Regulation of Traffic (46.2-800 thru 46.2-947) :: 46.2-819.4 Smoking in proximity to gas pumps; penalty. |url=https://law.justia.com/codes/virginia/2011/title46-2/chapter8/46-2-819-4 |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=Justia Law |language=en}}</ref>

==Other goods and services commonly available==
[[File:Spar Express Wattens.jpg|thumb|A [[Spar (retailer)|Spar]] express convenience store in a [[Royal Dutch Shell|Shell]] station in [[Wattens]], Austria.]]

Many filling stations provide [[Public toilet|toilet facilities]] for customer use, as well as [[squeegee]]s and [[paper towel]]s for customers to clean their vehicle's windows. Discount stations may not provide these amenities in some countries.

Stations usually have an [[Gas compressor|air compressor]], usually with a built-in or provided handheld [[tire-pressure gauge]], to inflate tires and a hose to add water to vehicle [[Radiator (engine cooling)|radiators]]. Some air compressor machines are free of charge, while others charge a small fee to use (usually 50 cents to a dollar in North America). In some US states, such as [[California]], state laws require that paying customers must be provided with free air compressor service and radiator water.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Matt |title=It's free to breathe, but air comes with a price at gas stations |url=https://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/2230750-181/its-free-to-breathe-but |publisher=[[The Press Democrat]] |access-date=30 September 2019 |language=En |date=4 July 2013 |quote=Many drivers [in California] don't know they are entitled to free air and water when they buy gasoline, and they end up paying extra for the service, consumer advocates say.}}</ref>

In some regions of America and Australia, many filling stations have a mechanic on duty, but this practice has died out in other parts of the world.

Many filling stations have integrated [[convenience store]]s which sell food, beverages, and often cigarettes, lottery tickets, motor oil, and auto parts. Prices for these items tend to be higher than they would be at a supermarket or discount store.

Many stations, particularly in the United States, have a [[fast food outlet]] inside. These are usually "express" versions with limited seating and limited menus, though some may be regular-sized and have spacious seating.  Larger restaurants are common at [[truck stop]]s and [[toll road]] [[service plaza]]s.

In some US states, beer, wine, and liquor are sold at filling stations, though this practice varies according to state law (''see [[Alcohol laws of the United States by state]]''). [[Nevada]] also allows the operation of [[slot machines|slot]] and [[video poker]] machines without time restrictions.

[[Vacuum cleaner]]s, often coin-operated, are a common amenity to allow the cleaning of vehicle interiors, either by the customer or by an attendant.

Some stations are equipped with [[car wash]]es. Car washes are sometimes offered free of charge or at a discounted price with a certain amount of fuel purchased. Conversely, some car washes operate filling stations to supplement their businesses.

From approximately 1920 to 1980, many service stations in the US provided free [[road maps]] affiliated with their parent oil companies to customers.  This practice fell out of favor due to the [[1970s energy crisis]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/11/12/automobiles/collectibles/12MAPS.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 | work=The New York Times | first=Phil | last=Patton | title=When Maps Reflected Romance of the Road | date=2006-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://roadmaps.org/map-information/maps-by-the-decade/ |title=Maps by the Decade |access-date=2013-01-02 |work=Road Map Collectors Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102031504/http://roadmaps.org/map-information/maps-by-the-decade/ |archive-date=2013-01-02 }}</ref>

==Fuel prices==
{{see also|Gasoline and diesel usage and pricing}}

===Europe===
[[File:Preismast AVIA Walldorf.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Fuel prices in Germany (cents per liter)]]
[[File:Morrisons filling station, Wetherby (1st February 2013) 003.JPG|thumb|right|Many supermarkets in Europe have branched into gasoline retailing, as shown by this [[Morrisons]] filling station in [[Wetherby]], [[West Yorkshire]], England]]
In [[European Union]] member states, gasoline prices are much higher than in North America due to higher [[fuel excise]] or [[taxation]], although the base price is also higher than in the US. Occasionally, price rises trigger national protests. In the UK, a large-scale protest in August and September 2000, known as '[[Fuel protests in the United Kingdom|The Fuel Crisis]]', caused wide-scale havoc not only across the UK, but also in some other EU countries. The [[First Blair ministry|UK Government]] eventually backed down by indefinitely postponing a planned increase in fuel duty. This was partially reversed during December 2006 when then-[[Chancellor of the Exchequer]] [[Gordon Brown]] raised fuel duty by 1.25 pence per liter.

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|text=National prices representative of gasoline price (Eurosuper 95) on 24 September 2018, as provided by EU member states<br />
Legend:  <br />
{{legend inline|#47c63e|}} < €1.25 /L <  {{legend inline|#d0c038|}}  < €1.35 /L <  {{legend inline|#f06020|}}  < €1.50 /L < {{legend inline|#f00000|}} <br />
 {{legend inline|#808080|}} Non member state<br />
source European Union DG ENER
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/energy/maps/maps_weekly_oil_bulletin/latest_Oil_Prices_ES95.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008150456/http://ec.europa.eu/energy/maps/maps_weekly_oil_bulletin/latest_Oil_Prices_ES95.pdf|url-status=live|title=CONSUMER PRICES OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (INCLUSIVE OF DUTIES AND TAXES)|archive-date=2017-10-08}}</ref>
|frame-width=200|frame-height=170
|frame-lat=50|frame-long=20|zoom=2
}}

Since 2007, gasoline prices in the UK rose by nearly 40 pence per liter, going from 97.3 pence per liter in 2007 to 136.8 pence per liter in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carsandgarages.co.uk/news/31-Petrol-sales-fall-as-prices-soar|title=Cars and Garages: Diagnose Problems, Estimate Costs & Find Garages|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611202631/http://www.carsandgarages.co.uk/news/31-Petrol-sales-fall-as-prices-soar|archive-date=11 June 2015}}</ref>

In much of Europe, including the UK, France and Germany, stations operated by large supermarket chains usually price fuel lower than stand-alone stations. In most of mainland Europe, sales tax is lower on diesel fuel than on gasoline, and diesel is accordingly the cheaper fuel: in the UK and Switzerland, diesel has no tax advantage and retails at a higher price by quantity than gasoline (offset by its higher energy yield).

In 2014, according to [[Eurostat]], the mean EU28 price was €1.38 /L for euro-super 95 (gasoline), €1.26 /L for diesel.<ref name="Consumer_prices" />
The least expensive gasoline was in Estonia at €1.10 /L, and the most expensive at €1.57 /L in Italy.<ref name="Consumer_prices">{{Cite web | url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=File:Consumer_prices_of_petroleum_products,_end_of_second_half_2014_%28EUR_per_litre%29_YB15-fr.png |title = File:Consumer prices of petroleum products, end of second half 2014 (EUR per litre) YB15-fr.png - Statistics Explained}}</ref>
The least expensive diesel was in Estonia at €1.14 /L, and the most expensive at €1.54 /L in the UK.<ref name="Consumer_prices" />
The least expensive [[liquefied petroleum gas|LPG]] was in Belgium at €0.50 /L, and the most expensive at €0.83 /L in France.<ref name="Consumer_prices" />

===North America===
[[File:Gas-pump-Indiana-USA.jpg|thumb|right|[[Pay at the pump|Pay-at-the-pump]] gasoline pump]]
[[File:Annual and monthly averages of U.S. retail prices for regular grade gasoline and major price components from January 2014 through March 2019 and forecasted to December 2019 (40662425773).png|thumb|Retail markup over crude oil and wholesale gasoline, 2014–2019]]
Nearly all filling stations in North America advertise their prices on large signs outside the stations.  Some locations have laws requiring such signage.<ref>{{cite news | title = A Shortage at the Pump: Not of Gas, but of 4s | first = Ken | last = Belson | work = The New York Times | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/nyregion/15four.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin | date = 2008-07-15 | access-date = 2008-07-15 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090417103014/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/nyregion/15four.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin | archive-date = 2009-04-17 }}</ref>

In Canada and the United States, federal, state or provincial, and local sales taxes are usually included in the price, although tax details are often posted at the pump and some stations may provide details on sales receipts. Gasoline taxes are often [[Ring Fenced|ring-fenced]] (dedicated) to fund transportation projects such as the maintenance of existing roads and the construction of new ones.

Individual filling stations in the United States have little if any control over gasoline prices.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} The wholesale price of gasoline is determined according to area by oil companies which supply the gasoline, and their prices are largely determined by the world markets for oil. Individual stations are unlikely to sell gasoline at a loss, and the profit margin—typically between 7 and 11 cents a US gallon (2–3 cents per liter)—that they make from gasoline sales is limited by competitive pressures: a gas station which charges more than others will lose customers to them.  Most stations try to compensate by selling higher-margin food products in their [[convenience stores]].

Even with oil market fluctuations, prices for gasoline in the United States are among the lowest in the industrialized world; this is principally due to lower taxes. While the sales price of gasoline in Europe is more than twice that in the United States, the price excluding taxes is nearly identical in the two areas. Some Canadians and Mexicans in communities close to the US border drive into the United States to purchase cheaper gasoline.

Due to heavy fluctuations in price in the United States, some stations offer their customers the option to buy and store gasoline for future uses, such as the service provided by First Fuel Bank.

In order to save money, some consumers in Canada and the United States inform each other about low and high prices through the use of [[gasoline price website]]s. Such websites allow users to share prices advertised at filling stations with each other by posting them to a central server. Consumers then may check the prices listed in their geographic area in order to select the station with the lowest price available at the time. Some television and radio stations also compile pricing information via viewer and listener reports of pricing or reporter observations and present it as a regular segment of their newscasts, usually before or after traffic reports. These price observations must usually be made by reading the pricing signs outside stations, as many companies do not give their prices by telephone due to competitive concerns. It is a criminal offense to have written or verbal arrangements with competitors, suppliers or customers for:

* Fixing prices and exchanging information on prices or cost (including discounts and rebates),
* Limiting or restraining competition unduly,
* Engaging in misleading or deceptive practices.

Gas stations must never hold discussions with other competitors regarding pricing policies and methods, terms of sale, costs, allocation of markets or boycotts of our petroleum products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/home|title=Home|author=Competition Bureau Canada|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609000744/http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/home|archive-date=9 June 2015}}</ref>

===Rest of the world===
[[File:GasStationHiroshima.jpg|thumb|Like many gasoline stands in Japan, this [[Showa Shell Sekiyu|Shell]] filling station has hoses that hang from above.]]
In other energy-importing countries such as Japan, gasoline and petroleum product prices are higher than in the United States because of fuel transportation costs and taxes.

On the other hand, some of the major oil-producing countries such as the [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Gulf states]], Iran, Iraq, and Venezuela provide subsidized fuel at well-below world market prices. This practice tends to encourage heavy consumption.

Hong Kong has some of the highest pump prices in the world, but most customers are given discounts as card members.

Singapore, like Hong Kong, also has similarly high pump prices, which are largely based on a pricing strategy called [[Mean of Platts Singapore]] (MOPS). As Singapore does not have any oil reserves of its own, the city-state has instead built several off-shore refineries to refine oil imported mostly from Indonesian oil fields, as the latter country does not have enough refining capacity and capability of its own. Because neighbouring country Malaysia has cheaper pump prices than Singapore, cars registered in Singapore crossing over into Malaysia are legally required to have at least three-quarters of a tank of fuel since 1991 to prevent evading fuel duties,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/three-quarter-tank-rule-checkpoints-include-vehicles-running-diesel|title=Three-quarter tank rule at checkpoints to include vehicles running on diesel|website=TODAYonline|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref> and when filling up in Malaysia, Singaporean-and Thai-registered hybrid and petrol-powered vehicles are legally restricted to only fill up on unsubsidised, premium-grade RON97-100 petrol, as RON95 petrol in Malaysia is partially subsidised by the [[Government of Malaysia]] for the benefit of lower-income Malaysian residents.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/jb-petrol-ron95-causeway-fuel-fine-singapore-malaysia-4056381 | title=JB petrol kiosks on 'high alert' for foreign vehicles pumping subsidised RON95 fuel amid larger fines of over RM1 million }}</ref>

In [[Western Australia]] a program called [[FuelWatch]] requires most filling stations to notify their "tomorrow prices" by 2{{nbsp}}pm each day; prices are changed at 6{{nbsp}}am each morning, and must be held for 24 hours. Each afternoon, the prices for the next day are released to the public and the media, allowing consumers to decide when to fill up.

==Service stations==
[[File:ShellTrueNorth.jpg|thumb|200px|A [[Shell Oil Company|Shell]] station in [[Columbus, Ohio]] in 2020. The building, which formerly housed a service station, was converted into a [[convenience store]].]]

A service station or "servo" is the terminology often used in Australia, along with petrol station, to describe any facility where motorists can refuel their cars.

In New Zealand a filling station is often referred to as a service station, petrol station or garage, even though it may not offer mechanical repairs or assistance with dispensing fuel. Levels of service available include full service, for which assistance in dispensing fuel is offered, as well as offers to check tire pressure or clean vehicle windscreens. That type of service is becoming uncommon in New Zealand, particularly Auckland. Further south of Auckland, many filling stations offer full service. There is also help service or assisted service, for which customers must request assistance before it is given, and self-service, for which no assistance is available.

[[File:ServiceStation.jpeg|thumb|right|US service station {{circa}} 1950s]]

{{main|List of filling stations in North America}}

In the US, a filling station that also offers services such as oil changes and mechanical repairs to automobiles is called a service station. Until the 1970s the vast majority of filling stations were service stations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Then & Now: Service stations popular until 1970s {{!}} The Spokesman-Review |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/apr/08/then-and-now-life-was-a-gas/ |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=www.spokesman.com}}</ref> These stations typically offered free air for inflating tires, as compressed air was already on hand to operate the repair garage's pneumatic tools.  While a few filling stations with a service station remain, many in the 1980s and 1990s were [[Adaptive reuse|converted]] to [[convenience store]]s while still selling fuel, while others continued to offer services but discontinued offering fuel.

This kind of business provided the name for the US comic strip ''[[Gasoline Alley (comic strip)|Gasoline Alley]]'', where a number of the characters worked.

In the UK and Ireland, a 'service station' refers to much larger facilities, usually attached to motorways (see [[rest area]]) or major truck routes, which provide food outlets, large parking areas, and often other services such as hotels, arcade games, and shops in addition to 24-hour fuel supplies and a higher standard of restrooms. Fuel is typically more expensive from these outlets due to their premium locations. UK or Irish service stations do not usually repair automobiles.

==Highway service centre==
[[File:Linnatuulen liikenneasema 19 elokuu 2009.jpg|thumb|Linnatuuli, a highway service centre in [[Janakkala]], [[Finland]], along the [[Tampere Highway]] ([[European route E12|E12]])]]
This arrangement occurs on many [[freeway]]s or [[motorway]]s including those that are tolled, and are generally referred to as [[rest areas]] ((UK), services (UK), travel plaza, rest stop, oasis (US), service area, rest and service area (RSA), resto, service plaza, lay-by, service centre).  In the United Kingdom and Ireland these are called [[motorway service area]]s. In many cases, these centers might have a food court or restaurants. They provide drivers and passengers can rest, eat, or refuel without exiting onto secondary roads. 

Often, the state government maintains public [[rest area]]s directly connected to freeways, but does not rent out space to private businesses, as this is specifically prohibited by law via the [[Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956|Interstate Highway Act of 1956]] which created the national [[Interstate Highway System]], except sites on freeways built before January 1, 1960, and toll highways that are self-supporting but have Interstate designation, under a [[grandfather clause]].  As a result, such areas often provide only minimal services such as restrooms and vending machines.

Private entrepreneurs develop additional facilities, such as [[truck stop]]s or travel centers, restaurants, gas stations, and motels in clusters on private land adjacent to major interchanges.  In the US, [[Pilot Flying J]] and [[TravelCenters of America]] are two of the most common full-service chains of truck stops. Because these facilities are not directly connected to the freeway, they usually have huge signs on poles high enough to be visible by motorists in time to exit from the freeway.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Sometimes, the state also posts small official signs (normally blue) indicating what types of filling stations, restaurants, and hotels are available at an upcoming exit; businesses may add their logos to these signs for a fee.

In [[Canada]], the province of [[Ontario]] has stops along two of its 400-series highways, the 401 and the 400, traditionally referred to as "Service Centres", but recently renamed "[[ONroute]]" as part of a full rebuild of most of the sites. Owned by the provincial government, but leased to private operator Host Kilmer Service Centres, they contain food courts, convenience stores, washrooms, and co-located gas and diesel bars with attached convenience stores. Food providers include [[Tim Hortons]] (at all sites), [[A&W (Canada)|A&W]], [[Wendy's]] and [[Pizza Pizza]]. At most sites fuel is sold by [[Canadian Tire]], with a few older [[Esso]] gas bars at earlier renovated locations.

==Octane==
{{Main|Octane rating}}
[[File:Florida Department of Agriculture Petroleum Inspection.jpg|thumb|right|A state petroleum inspector visiting a [[Mobil]] station in [[Port Charlotte, Florida]]]]
In Australia, gasoline is unleaded, and available in 91, 95, 98 and 100 [[Octane rating|octane]] (names differ from brand to brand). Fuel additives for use in cars designed for leaded fuel are available at most filling stations.

In Canada, the most commonly found octane grades are 87 (regular), 89 (mid grade) and 91 (premium), using the same "(R+M)/2 Method" used in the US (see below).

In China, the most commonly found octane grade is RON 91 (regular), 93 (mid grade) and 97 (premium). Almost all of the fuel has been unleaded since 2000.  In some premium filling stations in large cities, such as [[PetrolChina]] and [[Sinopec]], RON 98 gas is sold for racing cars.

In Europe, gasoline is unleaded and available in 95 RON (''Eurosuper'') and, in nearly all countries, 98 RON (''Super Plus'') octanes; in some countries 91 RON octane gasoline is offered as well. In addition, 100 RON is offered in some countries in continental Europe (Shell markets this as ''[[V-Power]] Racing''). Some stations offer 98 RON with lead substitute (often called Lead-Replacement Petrol, or LRP).<ref>{{cite web|title=Legal provisions COM(2015)70 – Quality of petrol and diesel fuel, EU Twelfth Annual Report|url=https://www.eumonitor.eu/9353000/1/j4nvhdfcs8bljza_j9vvik7m1c3gyxp/vjrx6pn9lzzz|access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fuels {{!}} Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs|url=https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/fuels|access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref>

In New Zealand, gasoline is unleaded, and most commonly available in two grades: 91 RON ("Regular") and 95 RON ("Premium"). 98 RON is available at selected BP ("Ultimate") and Mobil ("Synergy 8000") service stations instead of the standard 95 RON. 96 RON was replaced by 95 RON, and subsequently abolished in 2006. Leaded fuel was abolished in 1996.

In the UK the most common gasoline grade (and lowest octane generally available) is 'Premium' 95 RON unleaded. 'Super' is widely available at 97 RON (for example ''[[Shell Oil Company|Shell]] [[V-Power]]'', ''[[BP]] Ultimate''). Leaded fuel is no longer available.
<!-- add more octanes from other states, provinces, or countries -->

In the United States all motor vehicle gasoline is [[tetraethyllead|unleaded]] and is available in several grades with different [[octane rating]]; 87 (Regular), 89 (Mid-Grade), and 93 (Premium) are typical grades. At high altitudes in the [[Mountain States]] and the [[Black Hills]] of [[South Dakota]], regular unleaded can be as low as 85 octane; this practice has become increasingly controversial, since it was instituted when most cars had carburetors instead of the fuel injection and electronic engine controls standard in recent decades.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/05/29/bad-gasoline-low-octane-too-much-ethanol/2369579/ |title=Vacationers, beware: Bad gas can damage your car |first=Mark |last=Phelan |newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120013630/http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/05/29/bad-gasoline-low-octane-too-much-ethanol/2369579/ |archive-date=November 20, 2016 }}</ref>

In the US gasoline is described in terms of its "pump octane", which is the [[Arithmetic mean|mean]] of their "RON" (Research Octane Number) and "MON" (Motor Octane Number). Labels on pumps in the US typically describe this as the "(R+M)/2 Method". Some nations describe fuels according to the traditional RON or MON ratings, so octane ratings cannot always be compared with the equivalent US rating by the "(R+M)/2 method".

==Differences in gasoline pumps==
[[File:A service station.jpg|thumb|A service station in Angola]]
[[File:Asda self service petrol station, Middleton, Leeds (3rd May 2015).JPG|thumb|right|An unstaffed [[Asda]] self-service filling station where payment is made at the pump by credit or debit card. This one is in [[Middleton, Leeds]], England]]
{{Main|Gasoline pump}}
In Europe, New Zealand and Australia, the customer selects one of several colour-coded nozzles depending on the type of fuel required. The filler pipe of unleaded fuel is smaller than the one for fuels for engines designed to take leaded fuel. The tank filler opening has a corresponding diameter; this prevents inadvertently using leaded fuel in an engine not designed for it, which can damage a [[catalytic converter]]. 
In most stations in Canada and the US, the pump has a single nozzle and the customer selects the desired octane grade by pushing a button. Some pumps require the customer to pick up the nozzle first, then lift a lever underneath it; others are designed so that lifting the nozzle automatically releases a switch.  Some newer stations have separate nozzles for different types of fuel. Where diesel fuel is provided, it is usually dispensed from a separate nozzle even if the various grades of gasoline share the same nozzle.

Motorists occasionally pump gasoline into a diesel car by accident.  The converse is almost impossible because diesel pumps have a large nozzle with a diameter of {{convert|15/16|in|1}} which does not fit the {{convert|13/16|in|1|adj=on}} filler, and the nozzles are protected by a lock mechanism or a liftable flap. Diesel fuel in a gasoline engine—while creating large amounts of smoke—does not normally cause permanent damage if it is drained once the mistake is realized. However even a liter of gasoline added to the tank of a modern diesel car can cause irreversible damage to the injection pump and other components through a lack of lubrication. In some cases, the car has to be scrapped because the cost of repairs exceeds its residual value. The issue is not clear-cut as older diesels using completely mechanical injection can tolerate some gasoline—which has historically been used to "thin" diesel fuel in winter.

==Legislation==
[[File:Petrol pump Fire Marshall warning sign.jpg|thumb|upright|A no smoking sign at a filling station]]

In most countries,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Petrol_Stations/|title=Petrol Stations – Health and Safety Authority|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203124006/http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Petrol_Stations/|archive-date=3 December 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://www.erb.org.zm/press/publications/brochures/Rural%20Service%20Stations%20Brochure.pdf Gas station regulations Zambia] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318082443/http://www.erb.org.zm/press/publications/brochures/Rural%20Service%20Stations%20Brochure.pdf |date=2016-03-18 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/owner-petrol-station.htm|title=If you are an operator of or an employee at a petrol filling station – Petrol: Fire and Explosion|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119043125/http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/owner-petrol-station.htm|archive-date=19 November 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://www.rura.rw/fileadmin/docs/Petrol_station_Guidelines.pdf Gas station regulations Rwanda] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080227/http://www.rura.rw/fileadmin/docs/Petrol_station_Guidelines.pdf |date=2016-03-04 }}</ref> stations are subjected to guidelines and regulations which exist to minimize the potential of fires, and increase safety.

It is prohibited to use open flames on the forecourt of a filling station because of the risk of igniting gasoline [[vapor]]. In the United States, establishing fire codes and enforcing their compliance is the responsibility of state governments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=15 USC Ch. 49: Fire Prevention and Control |url=https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title15/chapter49&edition=prelim#:~:text=(5)%20While%20fire%20prevention%20and,losses%20is%20to%20be%20achieved. |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=uscode.house.gov}}</ref> Most localities ban smoking, open flames and running engines. Since the increased occurrence of static-related fires many stations have warnings about leaving the refueling point.

Cars can build up [[static charge]] by driving on dry road surfaces. However many tire compounds contain enough [[carbon black]] to provide an [[electrical ground]] which prevents charge build-up. Newer "high mileage" tires use more silica and can increase the buildup of static. A driver who does not discharge static by contacting a conductive part of the car will carry it to the insulated handle of the nozzle and the static potential will eventually be discharged when this purposely-grounded arrangement is put into contact with the metallic filler neck of the vehicle.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=b88DAAAAMBAJ&dq=true&pg=PA163 "CarCare – Auto Clinic"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215051554/https://books.google.com/books?id=b88DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA163&dq=true |date=2017-02-15 }} ''Popular Mechanics'', April 2003, p. 163.</ref> Ordinarily, vapor concentrations in the area of this filling operation are below the [[lower explosive limit]] (LEL) of the product being dispensed, so the static discharge causes no problem. The problem with ungrounded gasoline cans results from a combination of vehicular static charge, the potential between the container and the vehicle, and the loose fit between the grounded nozzle and the gas can. This last condition causes a rich vapor concentration in the [[ullage]] (the unfilled volume) of the gas can, and a discharge from the can to the grounded hanging hardware (the nozzle, hose, swivels and break-a-ways) can thus occur at a most inopportune point. The Petroleum Equipment Institute has recorded incidents of static-related ignition at refueling sites since early 2000.<ref>[http://www.pei.org/static/ Petroleum Equipment Institute] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719173853/http://www.pei.org/static/ |date=2008-07-19 }} Retrieved 2014-06-10</ref>

Although [[urban legend]]s persist that using a mobile phone while pumping gasoline can cause sparks or explosion, this has not been duplicated under any controlled condition. Nevertheless, mobile phone manufacturers and gas stations ask users to switch off their phones. One suggested origin of this myth is said to have been started by gas station companies because the cell phone signal would interfere with the fuel counter on some older model fuel pumps causing it to give a lower reading. In the ''[[MythBusters]]'' episode "[[MythBusters (2003 season)#Episode 2 .E2.80.93 .22Cell Phone Destruction.2C Silicone Breasts.2C CD-ROM Shattering.22|Cell Phone Destruction]]", investigators concluded that explosions attributed to cell phones could be caused by static discharges from clothing instead and also observed that such incidents seem to involve women more often than men.

The US [[National Fire Protection Association]] does most of the research and code writing to address the potential for explosions of gasoline vapor. The customer fueling area, up to {{convert|18|in|cm}} above the surface, normally does not have explosive concentrations of vapors, but may from time to time. Above this height, where most fuel filler necks are located, there is no expectation of an explosive concentration of gasoline vapor in normal operating conditions. [[Electrical equipment in hazardous areas|Electrical equipment]] in the fueling area may be specially certified for use around gasoline vapors.

==Worldwide numbers==
*The UK has 8,385 filling stations {{As of|2019|df=|lc=|since=}},<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ukpia.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ukpia-statistical-review-2018.pdf|title=UKPIA Statistical Review 2018|work=UKPIA|access-date=2019-03-09}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> down from about 18,000 in 1992<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukpia.com/industry_information/industry-overview.aspx|title=UKPIA – Refining Britain's Fuels – Industry Overview|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530235851/http://www.ukpia.com/industry_information/industry-overview.aspx|archive-date=30 May 2015}}</ref> and a peak of around 40,000 in the mid-1960s.
*The US had 114,474 stations in 2012, according to the US Census Bureau, down from 118,756 in 2007 and 121,446 in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ECN/2012_US/44SSSZ1//naics~447|title=American FactFinder – Results|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213022442/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ECN/2012_US/44SSSZ1//naics~447|archive-date=13 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ECN/2007_US/44SSSZ1//naics~447|title=American FactFinder – Results|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213025647/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ECN/2007_US/44SSSZ1//naics~447|archive-date=13 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ECN/2002_US/44SSSZ1//naics~447|title=American FactFinder – Results|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213011645/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ECN/2002_US/44SSSZ1//naics~447|archive-date=13 February 2020}}</ref>
*In Canada, the number is on the decline. As of December 2008, 12,684 were in operation, significantly down from about 20,000 stations recorded in 1989.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120722142320/http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/marketwire/article.jsp?content=20090507_083504_3_ccn_ccn Number of Gas Stations in Canada Continues to Decline | Markets | News Releases | CCN | Canadian Business Online]</ref>
*In Japan, the number dropped from a peak of 60,421 in 1994 to 40,357 at the end of 2009.<ref>[http://www.meti.go.jp/report/downloadfiles/11609b01_00j.pdf 2010 Report into Future Service Stations from METI] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206204005/http://www.meti.go.jp/report/downloadfiles/11609b01_00j.pdf |date=2013-02-06 }}</ref>
*In Germany, the number dropped down to 14,300 in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tanken-kraftstoffe-und-antrieb/probleme-tankstelle/anzahl-tankstellen-markenverteilung/|title=Anzahl an Tankstellen und Markenverteilung|author=ADAC|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408062947/http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tanken-kraftstoffe-und-antrieb/probleme-tankstelle/anzahl-tankstellen-markenverteilung/|archive-date=8 April 2015}}</ref>
*In China, according to different reports, the total number of gas/oil stations (at the end of 2018) is about 106,000.<ref>[https://www.qianzhan.com/analyst/detail/220/191115-10cfe5dd.html 2019年中国加油站行业竞争格局与发展趋势行业研究 两桶油各占半壁江山【组图】]</ref>
*India—60,799 (as of November 2017)
*Russia—there were about 25,000 stations in the Russian Federation (2011)
*In Argentina, as of 2021, there are more than 5,000 stations.

===The largest filling station networks in Europe (2017)===
*[[TotalEnergies]]—8,200 stations
*[[Shell plc|Shell]]—7,800 stations
*[[BP]]—7,000 stations
*[[ExxonMobil|Esso]]—6,100 stations
*[[Eni]]—5,500 stations
*[[Repsol]]—4,700 stations
*[[Kuwait Petroleum Corporation|Q8]]—4,600 stations
*Avia—3,000 stations
*[[PKN Orlen]]—2,800 stations
*[[Circle K]]—2,700 stations<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://nafta.wnp.pl/orlen-w-pierwszej-dziesiatce-w-europie,324509_1_0_0.html | title=Orlen w pierwszej dziesiątce w Europie | access-date=2018-11-15 | archive-date=2018-11-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116000754/https://nafta.wnp.pl/orlen-w-pierwszej-dziesiatce-w-europie,324509_1_0_0.html }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Autogas]] (LPG)
*[[Automated fueling]]
*[[Biofuel]]s
*[[Convenience store]]
*[[Ethanol]]
*[[Filling station attendant]]
*[[Gas pump]]
*[[Gasoline usage and pricing]]
*[[Gasoline]]
*[[Highway oasis]]
*[[Hydrogen station]]
*[[List of automotive fuel retailers]]
*[[Valve Connections of Propane, Butane and LPG Containers|LPG tank connections]]
*[[National Association of Convenience Stores]]
*[[Petroleum]]
*[[Propellant depot]] (a gas station in space)
*[[Road trip]]

==Explanatory notes==
{{Reflist|group="Note"}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
<!-- last updated January 2022 -->
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book |last1=Freund |first1=David |title=Gas Stop: The gas station in American life and landscape 1978–1981 |volume=4 volumes |date=2016 |publisher=Steidl-Verlag |location=Göttingen, Germany |isbn=978-3-95829-173-7}} – [[Grayscale]] photos taken 1978 to 1982. [http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/david-freund Review] ({{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129054209/https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/david-freund |date=2018-01-29 }}).
*{{cite thesis |last=Garwood |first=Robert Douglas |date=1980 |title=The Rise of the American Gas Station |type=MA thesis |publisher=[[University of Oregon]] |docket= |oclc=9431056 |url={{GBurl|whkZOAAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Helms |first1=Todd |last2=Flohe |first2=Chip |title=Roadside Memories: A Collection of Vintage Gas Station Photographs |date=1997 |publisher=Schiffer Publishing |location=Atglen, PA, USA |isbn=0-7643-0278-7 |url={{GBurl|jUgJAAAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Henderson |first1=Wayne |last2=Benjamin |first2=Scott |title=Gas Stations |series=Crestline series |date=1994 |publisher=Motorbooks International |location=Osceola, WI, USA |isbn=0-87938-945-1 |url={{GBurl|IorXPAAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Henderson |first1=Wayne |title=One Hundred Years of Gas Stations |date=2013 |publisher=PCM Publishing |location=Kernersville, NC, USA |isbn=978-0-9655736-6-5 |author-mask1=9 |url={{GBurl|eACKoAEACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Jakle |first1=John A. |last2=Sculle |first2=Keith A. |title=The Gas Station in America |series=Creating the North American landscape series |date=2002 |orig-date=Originally published 1994 |publisher=[[Johns Hopkins University Press]] |location=Baltimore and London |isbn=0-8018-6919-6 |url={{GBurl|lgqXd_nH7fIC}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=William D. |title=Motor Cars and Serv-us Stations |date=1998 |publisher=Jones Photo Co |location=Aberdeen, WA, USA |isbn=0-9666342-0-9 |url={{GBurl|7IC0AAAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |editor1-last=Kirn |editor1-first=M. |title=American Service Stations: 1935 Through 1943 |series=Photo Archive series |date=1995 |publisher=Iconografix |location=Minneapolis, MN, USA |isbn=1-882256-27-1 |url={{GBurl|KQ5XAgAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Bob |title=10 Gallons for a Dollar: A Pictoral {{sic|nolink=y}} History of Gas Pump Companies and Service Stations |date=1985 |publisher=Harlo |location=Detroit |oclc=12946173 |url={{GBurl|gH9UGwAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite thesis |last=Lehman |first=Bree |date=2010 |title=Ed Ruscha's Gas Stations and the Return of Nostalgia |type=MA thesis |publisher=[[Williams College]] |docket= |oclc=728111290 |url={{GBurl|FCPQXwAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Margolies |first1=John |title=Pump and Circumstance: Glory Days of the Gas Station |series=Bulfinch Press book |date=1993 |publisher=Little, Brown and Co. |location=Boston; New York; Toronto; London |isbn=0-8212-1995-2 |url={{GBurl|t16bQgAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Ruscha |first1=Ed |author1-link=Edward Ruscha |title=Twentysix Gasoline Stations |date=1969 |publisher=The Cunningham Press |location=Alhambra, CA, USA |oclc=888402 |edition=3rd |url={{GBurl|ZUNAvwEACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Russell |first1=Tim |title=Fill 'er Up!: The Great American Gas Station |date=2007 |publisher=Voyageur Press |location=St. Paul, MN, USA |isbn=978-0-7603-2871-2 |url={{GBurl|Y5T-nQEACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Sonter |first1=Jim |title=Servo: Great Australian Service Stations |date=2011 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=Sydney |isbn=978-0-7322-9210-2 |url={{GBurl|PnyTZwEACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Steil |first1=Tim |last2=Luning |first2=Jim |title=Fantastic Filling Stations |date=2002 |publisher=MBI Publishing Company |location=St. Paul, MN, USA |isbn=0-7603-1064-5 |url={{GBurl|aZUNvgAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Vieyra |first1=Daniel I. |title="Fill 'er Up": An Architectural History of America's Gas Stations |date=1979 |publisher=Macmillan Publishing Co. |location=New York |isbn=0-02-622000-8 |url={{GBurl|1DyAswEACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Witzel |first1=Michael Karl |title=The American Gas Station |date=1992 |publisher=Motorbooks International |location=Osceola, WI, USA |isbn=0-87938-594-4 |url={{GBurl|TfBfQgAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Witzel |first1=Michael Karl |title=Gas Station Memories |series=Enthusiast color series |date=1994 |publisher=Motorbooks International |location=Osceola, WI, USA |isbn=0-87938-925-7 |author-mask1=9 |url={{GBurl|o6g1PQAACAAJ}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Witzel |first1=Michael Karl |title=Gas Stations Coast to Coast |date=2000 |publisher=MBI Publishing Company |location=Osceola, WI, USA |isbn=0-7603-0740-7 |author-mask1=9 |url={{GBurl|Fv4tvgAACAAJ}}}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Petrol stations|Filling station}}
{{Wiktionary}}
*{{HowStuffWorks|7332-energy-policy-how-gas-stations-price-gas-video|Energy Policy: How Gas Stations Price Gas}}
*[http://video.wpt.org/video/2328721025/ ''Fill'er Up''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016130427/http://video.wpt.org/video/2328721025/ |date=2013-10-16 }}—Documentary produced by [[Wisconsin Public Television]]

{{Motor fuel}}
{{Retail}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Filling stations| ]]
[[Category:1888 in Germany]]
[[Category:Fuels]]