The Office of National Statistics released new Official Labour Market statistics for the year 2021 this month. Analysed by DevicePilot, the data shows that the number of local/specialised petrol stations in the UK has declined by more than 1,000 in the last decade, by approximately 22% (from 5,280 in 2011 to 4,120 in 2021).

The dataset should not be compared to the numbers provided by the Petrol Retailers Association in its annual report, but they offer an interesting snapshot regarding changing forecourt trends nonetheless, especially in the wake of the recent petrol shortage and with the emergence of Electric Vehicles in the UK. The ONS numbers are very specific and only measure petrol stations with a 47300 SIC code: Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised stores. As such, the data reflects trends of local specialised petrol stations typically found in UK towns and cities, as opposed to forecourts that are part of supermarkets or motorway services.    

Its more evidence that EVs are the future and fossil fuels are the past.

The ONS labour market statistics can be downloaded via the Nomis website.

For an overview of how the UK and local councils are adapting to an electric future and the challenges this poses, download our report PAIN POINTS: EV CHARGING IN THE UK - 2021 AND BEYOND