Because the structure of the market differs from country to country, independent companies have adapted to these circumstances. The activities conducted by independent oil companies are highly diversified and individual. The independent oil companies range in size from the company with a single service station or delivery tanker through medium sized operations to the larger firms, some of which sell several million tons per year.

As importers, independent firms source various petroleum products from the global markets to supply domestic markets. As wholesalers, independent firms provide alternative supply routes for commercial and retail business. As retail traders, they directly supply customer needs either through independent gas stations or through deliveries of heating oil to privately owned homes, commercial and industrial entities or small industry and enterprises.