bp’s Energy Outlook report highlights potential setbacks in the energy push. | Shutterstock
The future of energy is uncertain, and convenience stores across the United States need to brace for what that means at the pump and on the forecourt, according to the 2025 bp Energy Outlook report.
The report underscores three factors that could shake up energy supply, costs and infrastructure investment: geopolitical tensions, slowing energy efficiency gains and the risk of delayed energy transition.
Geopolitical tensionsÂ
Rising geopolitical conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and trade tensions mean countries could pull back from global energy markets and focus more on self-reliance, according to the report.
This shift could result in greater volatility in energy prices and regional differences in energy supply and availability, the report said. For forecourts, this means the potential for disruptions in fuel deliveries and fluctuations in electricity costs.
Slowing energy efficiency gains
Energy efficiency improvements have stalled in recent years, bp said. If this slowdown continues, it could lead to higher overall energy demand and increased pressure on energy costs. Convenience stores, which depend on refrigeration, lighting, HVAC and growing electric-vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, may face rising energy consumption as a result.
The report also said that carbon emissions keep climbing, and the longer the world waits to act, the more abrupt and expensive the transition will be. For retailers, that means uncertainty about when to invest in EV chargers, batteries and renewables—too early risks wasted dollars; too late risks being left behind. Finding that balance will be critical as policies and technologies evolve.
Risk of delayed energy transition
The energy shift isn’t uniform across the United States, the report said. California and the Northeast are charging ahead with electrification, while other regions lag. Retailers need to tailor strategies based on local policies, grid readiness and consumer EV adoption, according to the report.
Global energy company bp, which has U.S. headquarters in Chicago, owns TravelCenters of America and convenience-store brands ampm and Thorntons in the United States.
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