The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers represents both the distributors and independent retailers in the oil industry.

With regard to the retail sector, FPS acquired the Garage Watch trade association for the independent forecourt sector in November 2006.  Since 1 August 2007, it has been fully integrated to operate as the FPS Forecourt Division alongside the existing Distribution Division.

This was a natural progression following the Federation’s strong links with and the financial and administrative help given to Garage Watch since it was established in 2000 in response to the Esso Price Watch Campaign.  This caused extreme hardship to the independent forecourt operators resulting in many closures, so independent forecourt operators fought together to resist the unfair two-tier pricing system.  That particular fight has long been over, but Garage Watch continued to represent the independent forecourt sector in the UK as a bona-fide trade association.

The FPS now fully intends to continue and strengthen the activities of its new Forecourt Division, not only for the benefit of its members, but also for the independent forecourt sector at large.

The distribution division operates as the trade association for the oil distribution sector and ancillary interests in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and has been established since 1979.  It provides members with a collective voice for the industry at national level, services to assist members in optimizing their business efficiencies and promotes best practice in the industry.