Dynamic Legal

    Guide · Petroleum

    Petroleum licences: wholesale, site or retail?

    Under the Petroleum Products Act 120 of 1977, anyone who sells fuel wholesale, operates a fuel site or sells fuel at retail needs a licence from the Petroleum Controller. A new filling station needs both a site licence and a retail licence.

    View Petroleum & Fuel Licences 087 153 6207

    The licence types

    LicenceWho needs it
    WholesaleBusinesses selling fuel in bulk to other businesses
    SiteThe owner of the property where fuel is stored and sold
    RetailThe operator selling fuel to the public at the site

    What the Controller looks at

    • Need and viability of the site, including nearby sites.
    • Zoning and, where required, environmental authorisation.
    • Transformation and B-BBEE commitments.
    • Fire and safety compliance for storage.

    Timelines

    Decisions typically take several months, and objections from nearby sites can extend this. Starting to sell before a licence is issued is an offence.

    Common questions

    Do I need a licence to sell diesel to farmers?

    Yes. Selling fuel to other businesses in bulk requires a wholesale licence.

    Can a retail licence be transferred?

    A licence can only be transferred with the Petroleum Controller's approval.

    Does an on-site diesel tank need a licence?

    Storing fuel for your own use generally does not need a retail licence, but storage may trigger fire and environmental requirements.

    Planning a fuel business or site?

    Tell us what you want to sell and where, and we confirm the licences at a fixed fee agreed upfront.

    View Petroleum & Fuel Licences Speak to an advisor

    Related guides

    Last updated September 2026. This guide is general information on South African regulatory procedure and is not legal advice on your specific matter. Dynamic Legal Services (Pty) Ltd is a private legal advisory firm and is not a government department or regulator.