Author Identifier (ORCID)
Navid Hashemi Taba: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7138-8722
Iftekhar Ahmad: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4441-9631
Ahdieh Sadat Khatavakhotan: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6428-0787
Abstract
In response to increasing concerns about operational inefficiencies and environmental impacts at petrol stations, this operational research investigates strategies to enhance refueling efficiency across 103 stations in Perth. A pilot study employing observational methods and time-motion analysis established ideal benchmarks for core refueling activities. Empirical analysis of driver behavior during high-demand periods—often driven by fuel price discounts—and regular off-peak hours revealed significant performance gaps, highlighting substantial opportunities for efficiency improvements. Eliminating non-essential tasks could yield time savings of up to 67% during peak periods and 45% during off-peak periods. Economic analysis demonstrated mutual benefits when refueling processes align with these benchmarks, with potential daily savings nearing 29,000 h, equivalent to AUD 660,000 in minimum wage earnings for drivers. Furthermore, optimizing station capacity could accommodate an additional approximately 12,800 customers daily, generating over AUD 870,000 in increased revenue. The proposed Petrol Station Efficiency Enhancement Model (PSEEM) integrates insights from transportation engineering and refueling infrastructure optimization to improve station operations. Globally applicable, PSEEM offers practical solutions to urban challenges by promoting sustainable mobility, optimizing resource use, enhancing customer satisfaction, improving transportation networks, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Keywords
Advanced petrol station operations management, driver behavior optimization strategies, economic impact analysis in transportation system, innovative transportation engineering solutions, operational research techniques in transportation, refueling efficiency improvement
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
6-1-2026
Volume
24
Publication Title
Case Studies on Transport Policy
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Engineering / School of Business and Law
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
Taba, N. H., Ahmad, I., & Khatavakhotan, A. S. (2026). Enhancing urban refueling efficiency: Strategies for sustainable mobility and economic impact. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 24, 101788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101788