Fuel Oil & LP Gas Dealers Industry Profile

Companies in this industry sell fuel oil and liquefied petroleum (LP) gas. Major companies include AmeriGas Partners, Ferrellgas Partners, and Star Group, all based in the US, as well as Japan's Mitsui & Co, Ultrapar Participações of Brazil, and Dutch firm SHV Holdings.

Top global markets for fuel oil consumption include the Asia/Pacific region and North America, according to the 2019 BP Statistical Review of World Energy. World consumption of fuel oil rose 1.2% between 2017 and 2018, versus a 2% decline between 2016 and 2017.

The US fuel oil and LP gas dealer (fuel dealer) industry includes about 8,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $29 billion. Volatility in the price of crude oil impacts revenue for fuel oil dealers.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural heating needs drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations, low-cost purchasing, and competitive pricing. Large companies have advantages in purchasing, finance, and distribution. Small companies can compete effectively by serving a local market, offering unique products, or providing special services. Fuel dealers compete with suppliers of other energy sources, including electricity and natural gas. The US fuel dealer industry is fragmented: the top 50 companies account for about 40% of sales.

High heating oil prices in the first half of the 2010s and financial incentives from utility companies have caused many consumers to convert ...