3 Fuel Trends From the 2021 NACS Show

CHICAGO — The 2021 NACS Show in Chicago reflected a changing fuels landscape.

Technology linking fuel dispensers and the in-store shopping experience is becoming more robust, and operators can expect more streamlined products with more options for consumers.

Click through for fuel trends from the show …

Dispenser and fuel equipment manufacturers are acting more like technology companies.

For example, Dover Fueling Solutions (DFS) already includes order-at-the-pump capabilities with its Anthem UX dispenser, but the company is working on taking the tech a step further. DFS, based in Austin, Texas, is experimenting with cameras that interface with the dispenser to identify if an item is out of stock so that customers cannot place orders for those items.

Additionally, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, based in Greensboro, N.C., showcased its self-checkout kiosks with new updates on the horizon. The company is preparing to launch food ordering and the ability to push transactions between the self-checkout kiosk and the traditional point-of-sale (POS) by second-quarter 2022.

OPW, based in Hamilton, Ohio, showcased a new dispenser sump with a stackable base designed to save storage space. The DSE Dispenser Sump is built with smooth walls inside and out to prevent leaks. The stackable base is designed to work with all dispenser models.

One of the newer products showcased at the NACS Show was a glove dispenser designed to fit over fuel nozzles from GripHero, based in Devon, UK. The gloves are made from 100% recycled plastics and the cartridges can fit on nozzles or can be attached to other surfaces.

Fuel dispensers are giving operators more options as alternative fuels expand and consumers’ forecourt preferences change.

DFS showcased a three-in-one fuel dispenser coming out of beta testing and set to go on sale starting December 2021. The dispenser carries unleaded, diesel and ethanol fuel all in one. Gilbarco Veeder-Root is also expanding fueling options with its recently released EVerse, a new software that gives c-stores the ability to host and manage electric vehicle (EV) charging networks.