The figures are through for fuel sales for last year and it is no surprise that the downward trend has continued. On top of declining sales figures over the last five years the sector suffered a further drop of over 10% compared to 2011.
A D&B study forecasts further sales erosion in Portugal, the prediction for 2013 is for a drop of 7.5% compared to 2012.
In Spain the decline between 2011 and 2012 was held at 6.5%, with a forecast for a 2013 decline of 4.8 % over last year.
There are 2,600 service stations in Portugal and 9,770 in Spain responsible for 97% of total petrol sales in the Iberian market and close to 77% of sales of diesel.
Although oil companies dominate the market (72 % in Portugal and 78% in Spain) hypermarkets and supermarkets have increased their market share. Fewer cars on the road and fewer journeys, especially with the daily commute to work a distant memory for many workers, have combined to depress this sector which is a major employer.
