Filling station

A filling station (also known as a gas station [US/CA] or petrol station [UK/AU/NZ]) is a facility that sells fuel and enginelubricants for motor vehicles. It serves as a local fuel depot and retailer; it receives fuel products from refineries (via regular tank truck resupplies), stores the fuels in (typically underground) storage tanks, and distributes the fuel to motoristconsumers at a daily varied price.

The most common fuels sold are motor fuels such as gasoline (petrol), often as multiple products with different octane ratings) and diesel fuel, as well as liquified petroleum gas (LPG, i.e. autogas), compressed natural gas, compressed hydrogen, hydrogen compressed natural gas, liquid hydrogen, kerosene, alcohol fuels (like methanol, ethanol, butanol, and propanol), biofuels (like straight vegetable oil and biodiesel), or other types of alternative fuels. Fuel dispensers are used to pump fuel into the vehicle's fuel tanks, gauge the volume of fuel transferred to the vehicle, and calculate the amount the consumer must pay. Another device found in filling stations and capable of refueling certain (compressed-air) vehicles is an air compressor. However, these are generally used to inflate car tires.

Many filling stations provide convenience stores, which may sell convenience food, beverages, tobacco products, lottery tickets, newspapers, magazines, and, in some cases, a small selection of grocery items, such as milk or eggs. Some also sell propane or butane and have added shops to their primary business. Conversely, some chain stores, such as supermarkets, discount stores, warehouse clubs, or traditional convenience stores, have provided fuel pumps on the site.