Fuel Oil & LP Gas Dealers Industry Profile

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

The US and China are the two of the largest consumers of oil globally, with a total of 18.7 million and 15.4 million barrels per day (b/d), respectively. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) crude oil demand is expected to reach 4.15 million b/d, according to Reuters.

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 $30 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.

More recently, economic stagnation from the coronavirus pandemic caused oil prices to plummet as supply outstripped demand, causing gasoline and heating oil prices ...