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Best-Rated Petrol & Service Stations

See Our Ratings Methodology.

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Most Satisfied Customers | APCO

Aussies have rated APCO as the top brand in Canstar Blue’s latest petrol and service station ratings, with the brand rated five stars for customer service, appearance, convenience, facilities, variety of products available, and overall satisfaction.

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How we rate petrol & service stations

Our review compares petrol & service stations on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your closest mates which petrol & service station they think is best!


Canstar Blue surveyed 2,201 Australians for their feedback on the petrol & service station(s) they’ve refueled a motor vehicle at in the last month.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.


Respondents rate their satisfaction with their petrol & service station brand(s) from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a petrol & service station brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Price of petrol: the petrol & service station offered consistently cheaper prices compared to other petrol & service stations.
  • Customer service: the staff at the petrol & service station are readily available, and are able to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
  • Appearance of station: the petrol & service station is clean, spacious, and had an easy-to-follow store layout.
  • Convenience: there are multiple locations of the petrol & service station brand, which are easy to locate, and had the items and petrol types needed.
  • Facilities: the petrol & service station had multiple facilities (i.e. car wash, air pump, water buckets, etc.) readily available.
  • Variety of products available for sale: the petrol & service station had a wide range of non-fuel products available for purchase (i.e. grocery items, coffee, gas bottles, etc.).

The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
    • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • APCO
  • Puma Energy
  • Costco
  • Liberty
  • Shell
  • Metro Petroleum
  • 7-Eleven Mobil
  • Woolworths Caltex
  • United Petroleum
  • BP
  • Coles Express Shell
  • Ampol
  • Caltex

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.


1. APCO


APCO petrol service station compared

Ratings result

APCO was rated five stars for customer service, appearance, convenience, facilities, variety of products and overall satisfaction, with four stars for price of petrol.

Editor’s notes

APCO is a locally-owned independent fuel chain that offers a variety of services, including fast flow diesel, a 24/7 café with trained baristas, a hand car wash, automatic car wash, laundromat, dog wash, and a truck stop and drop-off and collection. However, these facilities vary between locations.

APCO Convenience, APCO IGA Express and APCO IGA can be found across Victoria and in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

2. Puma Energy


Puma energy petrol stations compared

Ratings result

Puma Energy was rated four stars for all categories, including price of petrol, customer service, appearance, convenience, facilities, variety of products and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

A relative newcomer to the Aussie fuel market, Puma Energy is a company that also owns various ‘independent’ service stations such as Ausfuel, Gull and CCG networks. There are now more than 270 service stations and unmanned sites nationwide, with services such as car wash, showers, toilets, restaurants and takeaways also available (depending on location). It also has an expansive fuel card system and supplies fuel to various mining sites across the country.

In Western Australia, Puma has a partnership with RAC, and offers club members a 4c per litre discount on fuel. In Queensland, Puma has a similar partnership with RACQ, offering members the same 4c per litre discount on fuel.

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3. Costco


Costco petrol service station compared

Ratings result

Costco was the only brand to be rated five stars for price of petrol, while also rating four stars for appearance and overall satisfaction, three stars for convenience and customer service, and just two stars for facilities and variety of products.

Editor’s notes

Known for all things ‘bought in bulk’ and American, Costco is proving a real hit with Australians who like a bargain. Paying an annual membership fee of $60 will open up a world of discounts on all manner of foods, drinks and household items, as well as fuel. When Costco’s service station in North Lakes – north of Brisbane – first opened in 2014, motorists were lined up around the block to get the taste of cheaper fuel. It was a similar scenario across other sites in Australia. Costco offered generous per-litre discounts on its fuel at the opening, and now offers incentives for Costco members to save at the pump. So, in one trip, you can buy your jumbo-sized tub of Nutella and then fill up on discounted fuel. There are currently 11 Costco fuel locations in Australia.

4. Liberty


Liberty petrol service station compared

Ratings result

Liberty was rated four stars for all categories, including price of petrol, customer service, appearance, convenience, facilities, variety of products and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Liberty describes itself as a ‘competitive fuel alternative’ in a fuel market dominated by several large, multi-national corporations. Not only does Liberty supply independent fuel retailers, but it also runs its own-branded service stations across the country, with a particular focus on regional areas.

Liberty says it’s able to continuously supply fuel at competitive prices because it buys from different refineries (mostly Australian) and claims to be one of the largest wholesalers in Australia. There are a number of locations available around Australia, with a store locator available online to help you find the closest option.

5. Shell


Shell petrol service station compared

Ratings result

Shell was rated four stars for customer service, appearance, convenience, facilities and variety of products, with three stars for price of petrol and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

It’s quite rare to find a service station that isn’t connected to a grocery or convenience store these days, but there are still a huge number of Shell-branded servos across Australia. Known for sponsoring various motorsports leagues around the globe, Shell is perhaps one of the largest fuel companies in the world, known for its ‘V Power’ high-performance 98-octane fuel. With well over 700 locations Australia-wide, Shell’s Motorist app lets you see special offers, track your loyalty card points and transactions, and helps you find your nearest Shell station.

6. Metro Petroleum


Metro Petroleum petrol stations compared

Ratings result

Metro Petroleum was rated four stars for price of petrol, with three stars for all other categories, including variety of products, facilities, convenience, appearance, customer service and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Founded over 40 years ago, Metro Petroleum boasts a large network of over 200 locations – and is one of the largest independent fuel stations in Australia. It offers a comprehensive fuel card system akin to that of larger retailers, as well as a range of bulk-buy discounts. And just because it’s independent, doesn’t mean it lags behind the big guys, with car washes, convenience stores and all the facilities you’d expect with any large fuel station also available at select locations.

7. 7-Eleven Mobil


7-Eleven petrol service station compared

Ratings result

7-Eleven was rated four stars for variety of products available, facilities, convenience and appearance, with three stars for customer service, price of petrol and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Competing against the juggernaut of the big two supermarkets, 7-Eleven’s partnership with Mobil brings many of the same features and discounts you have come to expect from a modern servo. Perhaps most noteworthy is its fuel price ‘lock-in’ app. You can download the My 7-Eleven app for free and find out best fuel price in your area, based on what’s identified by the app. You can then lock this price in for seven days and use it at any 7-Eleven petrol station. This can be especially useful with the wild fluctuations many Aussies experience at the bowser. You get the same great fuel Mobil is known for with 7-Eleven’s network of convenience stores – and yes, Slurpees.

8. Woolworths Caltex


Woolworths Caltex petrol service station compared

Ratings result

Woolworths Caltex was rated three stars for variety of products, price of petrol and overall satisfaction, with four stars for facilities, convenience, appearance and customer service.

Editor’s notes

Not to be confused with regular old Caltex service stations, Woolworths’ fuel locations also use Caltex fuels but aim to give you that ‘Woolies experience’ by offering other services such as car washes and groceries at the majority of locations. Woolworths Caltex (soon to be EG Australia) has over 500 locations across the country, and with its well-known shopper docket discount program. Using the Everyday Rewards card program, customers also get one point for every dollar spent. Beyond that, customers can get access to Caltex’s range of fuels, including the Vortex range.

Please note: Caltex Woolworths is currently being phased out and now transitioning to EG Australia, although you’ll still be able to use your Everyday Rewards card at participating sites.

9. United Petroleum


United Petroleum petrol service stations compared

Ratings result

United Petroleum was rated four stars for price of petrol, convenience and facilities, with three stars for variety of products, appearance, customer service and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

United Petroleum was established in 1993 in South Australia and later expanded to service all other states. Claimed as being one of the largest independent fuel retailers in the country, United sells all manner of fuels, with a lot of locations even having the high-performance E85 fuel. Customers can also benefit from its many reward and fuel cards. United has over 500 locations nationwide and is known for providing ‘quality fuels at competitive prices’, often undercutting the bigger retailers by a cent or two per litre.

10. BP


BP logo

Ratings result

BP was rated four stars for customer service, appearance, convenience, facilities and variety of products, with three stars for price of petrol and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

British Petroleum, or BP as it’s more commonly known, is a stalwart of the Australian fuel landscape. It has an extensive fuel card system, which has previously won our customer satisfaction award for Small Business Fuel Cards. For consumers, it’s perhaps best known for its presence in huge roadside truck stops and for its BP Ultimate 98-octane premium fuel. It has more than 1,400 locations across the country.

11. Coles Express Shell


Coles Express Shell petrol service station compared

Ratings result

Coles Express Shell was rated four stars for customer service, appearance, convenience, facilities and variety of products, with three stars for price of petrol and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Differing from normal Shell service stations in that Coles owns the spot, with Shell supplying the petrol, Coles Express is well known for its 4c per litre discounts whereby shoppers who buy their groceries at a Coles supermarket can then get discounts at the pump. They can also scan their Flybuys rewards card to accumulate points and buy many of the same groceries available in a regular Coles store. Coles Express Shell is one of the most expansive fuel stations in Australia, with nearly 700 locations all up, with some offering car wash services.

12. Ampol


Ampol Caltex petrol service station compared

Ratings result

Ampol was rated four stars for convenience and facilities, with three stars in all remaining categories, including variety of products, appearance, customer service, price of petrol and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Ampol boasts a strong presence in Australia, since the Australian Motorists Petrol Company, which later became Ampol, was established in 1936. Caltex/Ampol is known for its ‘Vortex’ series of 98-octane fuels which have an engine-cleaning additive – along with rust and foam inhibitors – to keep your engine ticking along nicely. You might see a bit more of Ampol out and about, with Caltex revistalising the brand over the past few years, although the brand itself isn’t a stranger to Aussie roads.

13. Caltex


Caltex-logo-long-colour-small

Ratings result

Caltex was rated four stars for facilities and convenience, with three stars for variety of products, appearance, customer service, price of petrol and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Currently in the middle of a roll-out between the Ampol brand, Caltex still has a number of locations available around Australia for motorists to fill up at, with Caltex offering the Techron technology to help clean engine parts, keeping you running smoothly. Caltex also offers the CaltexGo app, allowing you to get exclusive fuel discounts and offers, including a 4c per litre discount on any fuel or diesel fill-up when you scan the app in store, although some terms and conditions apply.

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The search for cheap petrol

Where to get cheap petrol

Price may not entirely dictate where you decide to fill up your car, but there’s no doubt that we’d all like to pay a little less at the pump. The portion of Aussies who believe the cost of fuel has placed a major strain on their finances has increased over the years, with 47% of respondents affirming in our latest survey.

Nearly one in three motorists (31%) said they were willing to drive further if it meant saving money with a similar number (31%) having an app that allows them to monitor fuel prices. Although 34% of respondents said they usually stick to refuelling at the same service station, regardless of price.

Getting a good deal on petrol is made more complicated by pricing cycles, with the cheapest days to buy often varying between cities and even suburbs. To help you find a cheaper price the next time you’re running on empty, the ACCC updates its price cycle website on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, although also states that which days are the cheapest for petrol can change from cycle to cycle. But it may be best to find out which stage of the price cycle you’re in.

In our latest ratings, Costco was the only fuel retailer to receive five stars for price. All other retailers scored between three and four stars.

While this is a helpful, high-level, guide to costs, it should be noted that fuel prices can and will vary between individual service stations – sometimes just a short distance apart.

Keeping an eye on petrol prices in your area is certainly a smart move. But your decision on where to fill up could also come down to personal preference.

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Picture credits: VGstockstudio/shutterstock.com

About our consumer experts


Dean Heckscher: Site Editor

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.

 

Meet the Editorial Team

 

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

 

Meet the Research Team

Past Ratings

Here are the past winners from Canstar Blue’s petrol & service station ratings:

  • 2022: Costco
  • 2021: Costco
  • 2020: Puma Energy
  • 2019: 7-Eleven
  • 2018: 7-Eleven
  • 2017: Costco
  • 2016: Costco
  • 2015: United Petroleum
  • 2014: United Petroleum

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