Definition of petrol station

The term "petrol station" originated in the early 20th century as car ownership increased and the demand for convenient places to fill up became more pressing. Prior to this, gasoline or petroleum was sold in various locations, including general stores, blacksmiths, and garage workshops. The first formalized petrol stations began to appear in the United States in the 1910s. They were simple structures that housed pumps, storage tanks, and frequently a repair shop. The idea of branded service stations, with distinctive designs and logos, emerged in the 1930s, popularized by companies such as Mobil, Texaco, and Shell. The term "petrol station" is mainly used in British English to describe a gasoline filling station, whereas in American English, the term "gas station" is generally used. Both terms are commonly abbreviated as "petrol sta" or "gas sta," respectively, in everyday speech. The rise of electric cars and the push for cleaner, more sustainable forms of transportation has led to the emergence of new types of filling stations that offer charging facilities for electric cars. These "EV charging stations" are becoming increasingly common, as the adoption of electric cars continues to grow.