Transport Month is a timely opportunity to reflect on how the country’s forecourt network is adapting to shifting travel patterns, consumer expectations and the global energy transition, says petroleum company bp Southern Africa.

The company, with more than a century of operations in South Africa, has embarked on an extensive programme to modernise its assets and rethink convenience, bp Southern Africa GM for mobility and convenience Nokwanda Khumalo tells Engineering News.

Part of this rethink is preparing for the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). While South Africa’s EV uptake remains small, she says bp expects growth in the segment within three to four years as lower-cost imports and hybrid models begin to reach local consumers.

“Our industry is being disrupted by the energy transition and we need to keep ahead of that pace. We see EVs becoming more mainstream, once affordable models gain traction, particularly as Chinese manufacturers bring hybrids and battery-electric vehicles into the country. That’s when we plan to make a more serious investment into charging infrastructure.”

Khumalo stresses that bp will not move prematurely, given regulatory uncertainty about EV policy and incentives in South Africa.

“We didn’t want to invest too far ahead of the curve because the business models and regulatory frameworks for EVs in this country are still evolving. But once there is clarity, and once we see critical mass building in the car parc, we will expand decisively into EV charging.”

Fuel, Food Still Core

While the EV transition gathers pace, Khumalo says bp remains focused on improving the experience for drivers of conventional vehicles, particularly long-distance travellers.

The company’s fuels portfolio, including bp Ultimate with Active Technology, is marketed as helping engines run cleaner and delivering more kilometres per tank, which is an important benefit on extended journeys.

It has also invested in revitalising its Wild Bean Café and convenience shop offerings.

“Wild Bean Café has been our hero proposition for years, and in 2023 we launched a refreshed look under the bp Express brand. So far, 13 locations have been upgraded, but it’s not just about the hardware – it’s about food. We’ve added ethnic meals, wings, grab-and-go options, and partnered with regional suppliers. We sell more pies than anyone else in the industry, but we don’t want to be known for just pies,” Khumalo adds.

Highway sites are positioned as rest hubs, with menus geared towards hearty, on-the-go meals, while suburban sites lean more heavily towards grocery and top-up offerings through the Pick n Pay Express format.

Forecourt Digitalisation

The role of technology has also become central to bp’s strategy, with mobile apps, digital payments and loyalty integration being scaled to provide consumers with quicker, more connected experiences.

“Consumers today live on their phones, and forecourts must reflect that reality. We’ve invested in upgrading our payment platforms so customers can use anything, from SnapScan to Apple Pay or even their rewards balance . . . attendants are being trained to handle this variety seamlessly. Soon, we will also announce new payment solutions to make transactions even easier,” Khumalo adds.

Sustainability measures are also being implemented across bp’s operations, with service stations gradually being equipped with solar solutions to lower grid-based energy consumption, while refrigeration systems and packaging in Wild Bean Cafés are being made more energy efficient and recyclable.

“We are looking at everything – from cleaner diesel with lower sulphur content to recyclable packaging for our food offerings. These steps, while small on their own, add up across the network. They make our sites more sustainable, reduce costs for operators and, ultimately, improve the overall customer experience.”

The company’s programme of forecourt upgrades, which reached 104 service stations in 2024, is part of a broader push to modernise its network of more than 500 sites. This includes improved lighting, cleaner facilities and safer, more welcoming layouts.

Khumalo adds that bp’s strategy is about layering improvements across energy, technology, food and safety.