We are the association of independent European oil traders from most of the member states through national trade organizations. Independents - mainly small and medium enterprises (SME) - but all independent from major oil companies are active in all states of the European Union.

Members of UPEI are active in all fields save crude oil production, that is in importing, wholesaling, retailing, distribution, logistics and refinings - and some in gas, electricity, and renewable energies.

Though most of our members are small and medium size, some of our companies are independent world class players in their own right.

Due to the different market structures and historical backgrounds in the European Union, the importance of independents varies from country to country. The Croatian retail oil market consists of approx. 670 petrol stations, another 175 are owned by independent companies. In France the market share of independents stands at approx. 5 per cent, gasoil approx. 11.5 per cent and heating oil approx. 26.5 per cent. As regards the Italian retail network, over 30 per cent of the licensed roadside sales points and about 90 per cent of the distribution of liquid fuel for heating purposes are run by private companies. The market of independents in Spain results in approx. 10 per cent whilst in Switzerland around 80 per cent of all petrol stations belong to independent petrol stations operators. In Belgium, independents cover approx. 80 per cent of the heating oil market and in Germany every seventh ton of oil consumed is sold by independent traders.

UPEI and its Presidential Board represent and promote the interests of its members at European level.