The article was updated on October 24, 2023.
On-demand fuel delivery is a fresh, quickly expanding domain, disrupting the present-day business scene as we know it. Because of the ease of use and owing to a truly revolutionary approach, the mobile gas delivery industry is set for steady growth.
The global fuel delivery market is on the rise, expected to reach a $13.1 billion market valuation by 2030. The on-demand fuel delivery market plays a big role in such a rise. By 2028, it should reach 652.5 million. With its recent valuation of $282.01 million, the market will demonstrate a 15% CAGR in five years.
Below, we will take a close look at the functionality of mobile gas refill solutions, list the examples of fuel-delivery solutions, and draft an action plan for entering this prospective industry. Read on to learn more!
Defining on-demand gas software
Imagine, what it’s like having gas delivered to your car instead of driving to a gas station. Well, that’s what fuel delivery software is for – so you don’t have to dream about it any longer. This application allows users to order gas refills directly to the chosen location and at a set time. Thus, it’s a new convenient, and efficient way to refuel vehicles or generators that doesn’t involve driving to traditional gas stations.
The idea has been put into action in several countries across the globe and was a huge success due to the tangible benefits:
- Saving time: Using an app is significantly faster than driving to a station and spending precious time to get a fuel refill.
- Payment opportunities: Gas delivery software accepts different payment types, not just credit card or cash payments.
- Handling emergencies: Having on-demand oil & gas delivery come to you can be a lifesaver if you accidentally run out of gas.
- Improved quality: Customers can purchase the exact gas type they need, instead of being compelled to settle for an inappropriate one. Notably, the fuel transported directly to you is usually cleaner and fresher than the gas sold at a station.
From a commercial standpoint, setting up a delivery service is beneficial for a number of reasons:
- Minimizing the expenses: Reducing the time, cost, and land space needed to build a station.
- Sustainability and cleaner cities: Such a service is way more environmentally friendly than a gas station facing frequent issues with proper storage and safety.
- Extended customer base: By bringing fuel to buyers and not being tied to a certain location, companies can considerably extend their client base.
How does an on-demand fuel application work?
Oil and gas delivery apps work much like Uber for fuel. The process is split into three steps:
1. Detecting your whereabouts
The customer presses a button on a smartphone screen, and an app automatically detects the location for fuel delivery. The clients can use manual input to indicate a location.
2. Specifying the product type
Then, the user specifies what kind of fuel is needed and the quantity. Mobile services will usually offer a range of different gas types.
3. Refueling your car
Now, all the user has to do is wait for the service to arrive. Instead of actually going to a gas station, people can get a mobile fuel filling station to find them after detecting exactly where they are via GPS. The payment is charged after their tank is refilled.
This three-step process is very simple, and fuel delivery startups offer even more options and services for making it even more convenient. In the next section, we will look at examples of the top fuel delivery apps.
Examples of on-demand fuel delivery apps
If you’re contemplating making an on-demand fuel app, exploring the already existing solutions for modern fuel & gas delivery could help you come up with something unique.
Yoshi
Yoshi originated in 2015, as a fuel delivery startup. Today, this US-based company also offers a car wash, oil change, and repair services, which buyers can order through the Yoshi app. The company services are available in the United States and are especially popular in areas like Boston, San Francisco, Austin, Houston, and Los Angeles.
Fuelster
Another US-based company, Fuelster owns a fleet of gas delivery vehicles helping customers get their tanks refilled wherever they are, at school or at work. This fuel-on-demand service accepts credit card payments and charges no service fees. The pricing policy may change, though, depending on the location.
CAFU
This company is one of the recently emerged fuel-delivery services in the UAE. CAFU offers customers two payment options – a one-time payment per fill-up, or a subscription model when they get to submit a monthly payment for regular gas refills. Other services offered through the app include tire and oil changes.
FuelBuddy
Fuel Buddy operates across India and offers gas delivery to a range of locations, such as Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and New Delhi. Apart from bringing fuel to customer’s doorsteps, FuelBuddy offers clients smart gas monitoring and dispensing containers helping them track and analyze their fuel intake.
EZFill
EZFill offers services to both individuals and businesses. If you need regular gas refills for your company vehicles, EZFill offers a solution. However, the service areas are limited to mainly the US East Coast, although EZFill is also available in Nashville, TN, and Austin, TX.
Booster Fuel
Booster Fuel is an oil & gas firm serving both individual and corporate clients. The company’s carriers will locate your car while you’re at work and will fill its tank as long as you leave the fuel tank door open. The Booster gas app will allow you to order gasoline and diesel fuels, as well as renewable fuel types like biodiesel, synthetic blends, ethanol, hydrogen, and electricity.
Surely, examples of existing solutions extend far beyond these apps. Yet, the market for fuel delivery is ready to welcome new entrants. If you plan on launching a mobile petrol service, explore the core fuel delivery app features in the next section.
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Core features of a gas delivery app
To successfully compete with other players on the on-demand fuel-delivery scene, you need to learn about the key features of fuel-delivery apps before you come up with an alternative solution.
Normally, gas delivery apps will have two different interfaces for customers and for drivers. Each of these interfaces will have different features. Additionally, a digital gas delivery platform should have an admin panel with a separate set of functions for administrators.
Customer interface
Here’s what a typical client-focused app interface should look like:
- Registration/Login. Users should be able to quickly go through a simple registration process and access their accounts in a fast and easy way.
- User profile. A user profile should contain basic information about the user – name, residential address, and payment models.
- Gas delivery order. Buyers should be able to order the fuel type and quantity, use the location tracker and schedule the delivery.
- Price. Car gas delivery service should enable customers to view the resulting price and confirm it before the execution of their order.
- Receipts. Receipts and invoices confirming that customers have paid for the gas delivery services should be available in an electronic format.
- Order tracking. This feature enables people to track the execution of their orders in real-time. The user should be able to view information about the current location of the fuel carrier, and other order-related details.
- History. Order history will enable clients to track their past bills and requests.
- Alerts. Clients should be getting notifications about important company news, changes in pricing, and other important updates.
- Testimonials. This feature will enable customers to share their impressions and feedback with other app users.
- Invite friends. If an individual enjoys using the app, the ability to refer others and invite them to download it should be included.
- Support and assistance. Clients should be able to ask for support and assistance, if necessary.
Driver interface
On the driver’s side, the typical interface should include the following:
- Registration/Login. Easy login/signup should enable the driver to quickly register and start using the app.
- Profile. The driver’s profile should contain basic information and contact details. Drivers should be able to easily manage their profile, and add or change their personal data.
- Status. Drivers should provide information of their status – whether or not they are available for delivering orders.
- Viewing customer requests. This feature should enable the driver to view active requests in real-time and accept or reject them.
- Customer information. Drivers should be able to view customer info, their name, and location data.
- Navigation. Drivers should be able to easily find the place of destination.
- Digital signatures. The app interface should enable the driver to accept digital signatures from clients and generate receipts.
- Dashboards. Dashboards will allow the driver to view information about all the past completed fuel delivery requests.
- Help and support. Drivers should be able to contact support officers whenever they need help and assistance.
Admin panel
The web-based admin panel should give administrators a holistic view of the company’s operations. The typical functionality includes the following:
- Login. Administrators should be able to safely log in to the admin panel via a web interface.
- Dashboard. The admins should be able to view statistics on different aspects of company operations.
- Tankers. The admin panel should enable the administrator to add gas tankers to the fleet when necessary.
- Drivers. Admins should be able to view and manage company drivers.
- Customers. The admin panel should enable admins to view and manage registered clients.
- Pricing. This feature will allow the admin to view the pricing of different fuel types and change it when necessary.
- Payment. Admins should be able to accept payments from clients after the order has been delivered.
- Order history. The admin should be able to view the history of past orders with this feature.
- Alerts. This feature will notify the admin about new orders or new driver registrations in real-time.
This is the description of a classic functionality for an on-demand gas delivery service. However, if you aim to make your fuel app competitive, below are the additional features you might want to add.
Additional features of on-demand fuel delivery apps
People using an app to get fuel delivery are relying on its simplicity and ease of use. These additional attributes will make your app even more convenient and user friendly:
- Set vehicle location. Owners and their cars are often in different locations, so people will surely appreciate it if they can just pin the location where their car is parked on the map and have car fuel brought there.
- Share location details. A feature that will enable customers to automatically share their location data with drivers without talking to them.
- Social media sign up. Enable social media sign-up as one of the options for registration and login.
- Payment system integrations. Integrations with a number of different payment systems will enable buyers to send different payment types.
- Price comparison. People should be able to consider different vendors and make informed decisions.
- Delivery Schedule. Enabling clients to conveniently schedule fuel delivery will surely account for a better user experience.
Surely, you can come up with a set of your own unique characteristics. Comparing existing solutions and monitoring user testimonials and feedback will help you enhance your app with capabilities that truly help alleviate users’ pain points and deliver value.
Steps to start an online fuel delivery business
Building a mobile gas delivery service requires a lot of work. In this section, we will talk about how to start your own fuel delivery business.
1. Decide on a business model
Consider several business models:
- Aggregators. Aggregators are digital platforms connecting oil & gas companies to end-users. Gas delivery companies act as mediators between oil & gas retail companies and their clients and charge commissions for their services.
- Delivery services. Under this model, fuel/gas delivery startups act as independent business entities delivering fuel to their clients.
Each of these models will require a different organizational infrastructure.
2. Obtain a license
The oil and gas industry is regulated by the rules and laws of a particular country. Make sure to comply with them before launching your business. Hire a lawyer if you need assistance in dealing with the intricacies of your local legislation.
3. Acquire a fleet of carriers
You will need specialized vehicles to deliver your products to customers. All of them should have GPS systems for navigation, and be equipped to transport the exact fuel types you plan to sell. Only certified drivers should be allowed to drive these vehicles.
4. Partner with fuel and gas providers
Your next step will involve forging partnerships with fuel and gas providers in your area. Contact gas station owners and retail companies who might be interested in collaborating with a fuel delivery service to boost sales and extend their client base.
5. Develop a software application
Build an app with the ultimate set of features for your revenue strategy. Your tech stack should include the following:
For best results, use AWS EC2 web server and AWS S3 for cloud storage. Don’t forget to integrate Paypal, Google Wallet, Stripe, and PayStack payment getaways.
6. Acquire, engage and retain clients
Your next step is marketing your service and attracting new clients. Start the promotion campaign before you finish the final stages of application development. This will not only allow you to create a community of early adopters around your app but also will enable you to test your app for user acceptance after they give feedback.
7. Track important metrics
Harnessing big data in order to constantly enhance the quality of your services will make you stand out among competitors. You might want to track fuel quantity, quality, and carrier temperature while it is being brought to the customer. Use IoT to keep an eye on these metrics.
As your company grows, you will be able to scale it to cover even wider user groups and service segments. The Cafu app, for example, targets not only car refueling, but also boats, yachts, and fleets of corporate cars. You may also want to scale by adding other services, for example, car maintenance and repairs.
Technology trends for on-demand fuel delivery
To stay competitive and innovative in the field of on-demand fuel delivery, it’s essential to keep up with the latest technology trends. Here are some technology trends that can significantly impact the development and operation of an on-demand fuel delivery app:
IoT (Internet of Things) sensors
IoT sensors improve safety and predictive maintenance for vehicles, including remote monitoring of fuel levels. Such sensors can analyze usage patterns and offer predictions on the next fuel refill. Not only do such measures ensure the safe and reliable operation of vehicles but offer a convenient and efficient refill policy.
On top of it, sensors on mobile fuel filling stations can help reduce delivery times and traffic-related challenges, which directly impact the efficiency of on-demand fuel deliveries.
Autonomous vehicles and drones
The development of autonomous vehicles and drones can lead to autonomous fuel delivery options, enhancing the efficiency and scalability of an on-demand fuel delivery service. Integrating autonomous vehicles and drones for remote deliveries or areas with heavy traffic can streamline the operational process, decrease the delivery time, and reduce labor costs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
AI-powered systems and machine learning algorithms can enhance mobile fuel filling stations’ safety and improve traffic management, both crucial for maintaining a high level of service reliability and speed.
Predictive analytics powered by AI can optimize delivery routes, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs, which is especially relevant for on-demand fuel delivery software owners looking to maximize efficiency and profitability. AI technology can also analyze customers’ behavior, offering personalized deals, improved services, special promotions, etc.
Contactless payments and digital wallets
Contactless payment options are a must for on-demand fuel delivery services, making transactions smoother and more efficient for both customers and service providers. In addition, such software may contain a cryptocurrency payment option for higher convenience.
Integrating digital wallets and loyalty programs can create incentives for users to choose on-demand fuel delivery solutions, fostering customer loyalty and increasing the appeal of this service.
Voice and chatbot interfaces
Voice and chatbot interfaces improve user experience and inclusivity in on-demand fuel services, ensuring hassle-free and hands-free communication and control.
Big data analytics
Data analytics offer valuable insights into user behavior, fuel consumption patterns, and performance, helping make informed decisions to optimize delivery operations and other processes (i.e., pricing, promotions, etc.), and enhance user experiences.
Predictive maintenance
This strategy uses data to identify maintenance needs, reducing downtime and ensuring the reliability of on-demand gas delivery vehicles. For software owners, this means lower maintenance costs and higher service reliability with minimal disruption.
Environmental sustainability
Environmental sustainability is a crucial trend that on-demand fuel delivery app owners can embrace by promoting cleaner energy sources and eco-friendly vehicle choices. This includes incorporating eco-friendly practices and materials, such as electric or hydrogen-powered delivery vehicles into their fleet and solar-powered charging stations, as a part of green infrastructure.
Staying in touch with the latest technology trends and evaluating their relevance to your on-demand fuel delivery app can help you remain competitive, provide better services to users, and ensure the long-term success of your business. Keep in mind that technology is continually evolving, so it’s crucial to adapt and transform as new trends emerge.
Final thoughts
By offering excellent customer experience, on-demand fuel delivery services are making an immense impact on the modern oil and gas industry. A growing number of gas delivery startups will be serving corporate clients and individuals in years to come.
Yet, the complex infrastructure of an on-demand fuel delivery service calls for building robust apps with a powerful tech stack and sophisticated architecture. Making an on-demand fuel app that will truly cater to clients will give you an upper hand.
At EasternPeak we can help you with one of the most important facets of on-demand fuel delivery app development and starting a gas-on-demand business. Thinking about launching a mobile fuel service? Get in touch with us now for a free consultation!
A service that delivers oil and gas directly to your car whenever it needs gas refills. On-demand fuel delivery eliminates the need to go to a petrol station and spend time waiting to get your tank filled. Starting such a business requires 7 logical steps: Building an app requires technical skills and expertise. Partner with a reliable software development provider to create a custom fuel delivery platform.Frequently Asked Questions
What is on-demand fuel delivery?
How do I start a fuel delivery business?
How do I create an on-demand fuel delivery app?
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About the author:
Oleg Roberman, Chief of Delivery at Eastern Peak
With strong technical background and outstanding project leadership skills, Oleg helps Eastern Peak customers introduce competitive advantages and instill productive changes in every process by resolving complex business issues and managing multicultural teams through innovation and creative thinking.
