If you’re looking for a resilient commercial property investment with dependable cash flow and diverse income streams, South Africa’s petrol stations may be the market’s most underrated asset class. With over 4,000 service stations fuelling more than 25 billion litres annually, the country’s downstream network remains a cornerstone of local commerce and logistics.

A Buoyant Market in 2025

Despite global forecasts predicting a slowdown in oil-product demand, South Africa bucks the trend. Local fuel usage continues to rise by 1–2% per year, driven largely by road freight—the backbone of the country’s logistics sector. At the same time, restructuring among oil majors is reshaping the landscape. 

Why Investors Are Filling Up on Fuel Assets

Petrol stations offer far more than just fuel sales. Income streams include retail convenience stores, car washes, ATMs, and third-party rentals—making them well-diversified commercial investments. Long-term triple-net leases with oil companies provide added security, while regulated margins set by the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy ensure a level of income stability not commonly found in retail assets. Yields remain attractive too, with cap rates in the 8–10% range, outperforming many retail and office segments.

Key pricing drivers include high-traffic visibility, solid middle-income catchment areas, compliance with forecourt infrastructure standards, and modern touches such as solar power and EV charging—future-proofing these sites for long-term returns.

South Africa’s Forecourt Landscape

A growing contingent of independents—such as white-site operators—is making the market increasingly competitive. The industry is also shaped by transformation, with B-BBEE regulations encouraging joint-venture ownership structures, widening the investor base.

With Sapref still offline, imported fuel flows through ports in Durban and Cape Town, elevating the strategic value of filling stations along the country’s major freight routes like the N3 and N2. And while electric vehicle penetration remains low (below 0.3%), progressive operators are already installing rooftop solar and EV bays to prepare for what’s ahead.

In the Spotlight: 5 Petrol Stations Go Under the Hammer on 22 May 2025

In2assets, one of South Africa’s leading property auction houses, will bring five strategically located petrol stations to market as part of its national multi-property auction on 22 May 2025 at 11:00, hosted at Mount Edgecombe Country Club and livestreamed online.

These five properties span some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most prominent urban and transit corridors:

• Two white-site forecourts on Church Street in Pietermaritzburg offer blank-slate opportunities for rebranding or redevelopment.
• Two sites in the bustling Inanda corridor, previously branded Engen and Shell, have lapsed supply contracts—ideal for new deals or independent operation.
• A well-positioned Bluff forecourt, near Durban Harbour, offers additional retail income alongside fuel sales.

What sets this portfolio apart is its geographic diversity and flexibility. Three of the five sites are unbranded, offering investors branding freedom, while retail and workshop tenants provide supplemental income. Full due diligence packs and transparent bidding ensure certainty and confidence throughout the process.

The In2assets Advantage

In2assets brings national reach, compliance assurance, and a proven auction model that’s already delivered results for corporates, parastatals, and private sellers. Their combination of online and on-site bidding maximizes exposure and competition—unlocking real market value.

To register to bid or access detailed property packs of the above petrol stions sites or other investment properties, visit www.in2assets.com or join the auction live at Mount Edgecombe or online on 22 May at 11:00.