Petroleum and energy

Retail and site licences for filling stations

To sell fuel from a filling station you need two licences: a site licence for the property and a retail licence for the business that runs it. We prepare both, and handle amendments when ownership or details change.

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Who needs it

New filling stations, owners buying or taking over a site, and operators changing the details of an existing licence.

Who decides

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (formerly the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy), under the Petroleum Products Act 120 of 1977.

Typical requirements

A motivation for the site
Certified ID copies, plus residence or work permits for non-citizens
Certified company or trust registration documents
A land-use zoning certificate that allows fuel retailing
Environmental authorisation (Record of Decision) for the site
Title deed, lease agreement or the landowner's written permission
Roads authority permission if the site has access to a national road
A declaration of compliance with the Act and its regulations

The exact list depends on whether the site is new or already trading, and on any building work under way.

Also included

Change of ownership
Licence amendments
Annual returns
Appeals

How we help

We put the site and retail applications together, coordinate the zoning and environmental documents with your consultants, and manage amendments and change-of-ownership paperwork.

1
Understand
We talk through your business activity, goal, deadline and the service you need.
2
Assess
We identify the likely requirements, supporting documents and any gaps.
3
Prepare
We organise and review your documents within the agreed scope.
4
Coordinate
We help with submission and next steps, where you've authorised it.
5
Follow up
We keep you updated and track what's outstanding until it's done.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a site licence and a retail licence?

A site licence relates to the property where fuel is sold. A retail licence relates to the business that sells fuel from that site. A filling station needs both.

Do I need new licences if I buy an existing filling station?

The existing licences usually need to be transferred or amended for the new owner. We prepare the change-of-ownership documents and submit them for approval.

Who prepares the zoning and environmental documents?

These normally come from town planners and environmental practitioners. We coordinate with them so the documents match what the licence application needs.

This page is a summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Requirements change and depend on your situation, so we confirm the exact list with the relevant authority when we assess your application. Approval is always the authority's decision.