Thailand’s gas station businesses focus on non-oil services to attract customers

Competition in the gas station business in Thailand is heating up as companies continuously seek new services to attract customers, reflected through the opening of cafés at stations of the country’s four leading fuel companies.

Recently, Caltex partnered with Chao Doi Coffee to offer coffee to customers at its fuel stations. There are currently 38 Chao Doi Coffee branches operating at Caltex gas stations nationwide.

As of August 14, 2024, Café Amazon, available at PTT Group stations, reported having 4,277 branches in the first half of the year, an increase of 270 branches year-on-year. Of these, 2,261 branches are located at service stations.

The company’s retail and beverage business generated revenue of baht 7.89 billion ($234.8 million), up 8.2% year-on-year, following branch expansions.

For Punthai Coffee, sold at stations of Thai oil giant PTG Energy, sales and service revenue in the first half of 2024 saw significant growth of 73.7% year-on-year, amounting to baht 967 million, thanks to continuous branch expansions. The brand now has 1,028 branches.

Meanwhile, Inthanin Coffee, attached to Bangchak gas stations, had 1,005 branches in the first half of 2024, a decrease of 18 branches year-on-year.

Bangchak did not provide detailed sales figures for Inthanin Coffee but said its goal is to meet customer demand through further expansion of Inthanin branches, diversification of product brands, and increasing the presence of convenience stores and partner shops at Bangchak service stations.