These are South Africa's motorists' favourite petrol stations

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Engenhas emerged as the most popular fuel station brand among Johannesburgdrivers, according to new data released by analytics firm Lightstone – highlighting major shifts in consumer behaviour and market dynamics across South Africa’s fuel retail sector.

The analysis is based on real-world travel data from over 600 petrol stations in Johannesburg and 5 000 stations nationally, tracking commuting patterns across the country’s most densely populated metro.

“Among the brands competing for Joburg drivers’ attention, Engen stands clearly ahead,” said Lightstone, confirming its dominance as the go-to stop for refuelling and convenience shopping.

Gauteng: The engine room of South African traffic

According to the National Traffic Information System (Natis), Gautengaccounts for 3.3 million of the country’s 8 million registered passenger vehicles, representing 41% of the national total.

In terms of all vehicles, the province holds 38.5% or 4.7 million.

With the majority of these vehicles clustered around the greater Johannesburg area, Lightstone’s analysis offers insight into the fuel station usage habits of a significant portion of South Africa’s drivers.

Top Engen stations in Joburg

The data points to specific Engen locations that consistently rank among the city’s busiest, including:

Oxford Service Station
M1 North and South stops
My City Sandton Court
Midway Mews Convenience Centre

Other high-traffic sites from competing brands include BP’s Grayston Drive, Shell’s Glenhove and Cosmo City, and Sasol Waterfall.

Convenience drives late-night traffic

Beyond fuelling up, petrol stations have become key destinations for late-night shopping and convenience services.

Lightstone noted a clear spike in non-fuel visits between 19:00 and 06:00, as consumers turn to petrol stations when traditional retail stores are closed.

A “convenience score” is calculated by comparing total stops to the proportion made for shopping – with midnight visits twice as likely to be for retail needs than fuel.

Market shifts: Shell exits, Astron rises

The report also detailed ongoing market shifts in South Africa’s fuel retail landscape:

Astron Energy, formerly operating under the Caltex brand, has grown rapidly since acquiring Chevron’s South African assets in 2017. A nationwide rebranding campaign launched in 2022 has already transformed hundreds of service stations.
- By the end of 2025, over 850 Astron Energy stations will be operational – second only to Engen, which boasts over 1 000 locations.
Shell, by contrast, is in the process of exiting the service station business in South Africa. Its network of nearly 600 stations is up for acquisition, marking a major reshuffling of brand presence.
Total Energies and BP round out the top five networks with 550 and 500 stations, respectively.

Conclusion

While Engen currently leads the fuel retail market in terms of reach and popularity, the evolving landscape – shaped by rebrands, acquisitions, and shifting consumer behaviour – suggests the competition is far from over.

Petrol stations are no longer just about fuel. They are becoming lifestyle destinations, reshaping how South Africans move, shop, and connect.