How Data Analytics Can Transform Fuel Retail Management

June 9, 2025

In the rapidly evolving fuel and convenience retail industry, utilising data analytics is no longer viewed as an option but a necessity.

With fuel prices remaining unstable and consumer preferences evolving, fuel retailers are finding they must adopt innovative strategies to stay ahead of the curve. And with the global retail fuel station market currently valued at $1.8 trillion and projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research, having a strategic plan in place that promotes profitability and growth has never been more important.

This article will explore the benefits of advanced data collection and monitoring systems for fuel management with a particular focus on real-time analytics for inventory accuracy, fuel loss prevention, and pricing optimisation.

Better Customer Experiences

Data analytics can significantly improve customer experiences while on the forecourt, thus benefitting fuel retailers in the long run. By implementing them effectively, retailers can offer a more engaging, efficient, and personalised experience.

There are several ways fuel retailers can optimise the customer experience, and as an article from strategy and management consulting firm McKinsey suggests, “Transaction analytics have helped retailers identify operational interventions across different areas, for example, category distribution, top-selling SKUs, and category sales rhythm.”

Fuel retailers should prioritise establishing a two-way communication channel that allows customers to provide feedback on their experiences. Analysing customer purchase patterns and preferences provides fuel retailers with data they can utilise when introducing promotions and loyalty schemes that correlates with individual customer behaviour.

Today, the emphasis has shifted towards adopting modern payment solutions such as contactless payments via cards, mobile devices, and digital wallets. These technologies not only streamline transactions but also enhance the overall forecourt experience, ensuring retailers stay aligned with customer expectations for efficiency and innovation.

Establishing an e-commerce platform is key to a unified approach while building a personal connection with customers, both online and in-store. Whether it is placing an order and making a payment, to collecting it, using the car wash, fuelling up, or redeeming loyalty points, consumers now expect all these scenarios to be available within a single channel. There are no exceptions. Fuel retailers must also ensure their digital strategy prioritises a customer-centric approach, avoiding scattering of data (or lack of data management and analysis) that could lead to customer frustration and a reduction in footfall on the forecourt.

Shan Roy, VP at the global IT and business consulting firm CGI, discussed leveraging data-driven insights from loyalty apps, stating that “Rather than being overwhelmed by the data, it’s about starting small and learning where value can be added for both the retailer and the customer. So, for example, we might use loyalty platforms to start thinking about customer’s order patterns, and then make recommendations based on that.”

Improve Operational Practices

With better management of data analytics fuel retailers will undoubtedly experience a rise in the output of their operational practices.

One way is to analyse sales data and consumption trends, so retailers can manage their stock levels more effectively. This ensures products are always available at their optimal levels based on buying trends, minimising excess inventory and being able to give the customer what they want, when they want it – key in continuing to maintain customer loyalty and expectations.

As sustainability and environmental responsibility gain momentum, fuel retailers are utilising data to optimise energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, insights derived from fuel consumption patterns can assist retailers in promoting eco-friendly options, such as clean energy dispensers and/or other alternative fuels, ensuring their offerings align with changing customer preferences and regulatory standards.

Introducing a process for collecting data relating to customer traffic patterns can also be hugely beneficial to fuel retailers. For example, the DFS Order Kiosk^™ powered by FLYX enables retailers to streamline food and drink orders while collecting valuable data on customer preferences and peak usage times. With the data available, retailers can appropriately optimise staffing levels and service processes during busy periods, meaning wait times are reduced and the overall experience of the customer is at the very best levels possible.

Data-Driven Predictive Maintenance & Asset Management

Data is also enabling predictive maintenance in industrial sectors to move past simply preventing equipment from becoming faulty. By leveraging digital technologies to minimise the chances of failures from ever arising in the first place, fuel retailers can avoid expensive downtime and can lower maintenance costs.

The DX Wetstock^® end-to-end fuel management solution is tailored to help fuel retailers and fleet operators detect and address instances of fuel loss. It gathers and analyses real-time data from multiple sources, allowing retailers to promptly reconcile fuel discrepancies down to the gallon or litre, pinpoint the causes of fuel loss, and quickly implement corrective measures.

Jeroen Ven Pelt, Director, KA & WSM at Dover Fueling Solutions^® (DFS) said: “We have made the DX Wetstock easy to set up and use, which makes it suitable for fuel stations of any size. It will also enable effective identification and reduction of fuel loss, streamline the reconciliation process, lower operational costs, and mitigate risks.”

There is the Remote Diagnostics & Management (RDM) solution, also from DFS, which is an optional dispenser module that, when activated, enables retailers to collect advanced data and perform remote monitoring, management, diagnostics, and troubleshooting across the entire forecourt using DX Monitor^®.

Next Steps for Fuel Retailers

The integration of advanced data analytics into fuel and convenience retail management represents a transformative shift in how the industry operates, paving the way for a more efficient, customer-focused, and sustainable future. By leveraging tools like DFS Order Kiosk, retailers can enhance customer experiences and streamline operations, while innovations such as DX Wetstock and RDM by DFS provide cutting-edge solutions for inventory accuracy, loss prevention, and environmental protection.

Fuel retailers must take a holistic approach, combining technologies like wetstock management, connected forecourt systems, and e-commerce platforms to deliver a customer-centric strategy. As the industry evolves, adopting these solutions will be critical for staying competitive, fostering loyalty, and achieving long-term growth in a dynamic marketplace.

The future of fuel retail belongs to those who embrace innovation and utilise data as a cornerstone of their operations.