If you’ve ever wondered what a petrol attendant really does, this guide will explain it clearly. Working as a petrol attendant means more than just pumping fuel. You’ll be the person who greets customers with a smile at the pump, ready to assist.

Many people start in this job without experience. You don’t need Matric to get started — many petrol stations offer training on the job. If you’re looking for work and feel unsure, don’t worry. This job is a good way to earn a stable income, learn new skills, and build confidence.

Your main tasks include helping drivers refuel, being friendly, and handling money correctly. Every part of the job helps keep the petrol station running well and keeps customers happy.

You will fill up cars with petrol or diesel based on what the customer asks. Always check the fuel type to avoid mistakes. You might also check oil, water, and tyre pressure, and clean windscreens to help drivers see better.

Be careful when working with fuel. Follow safety rules to avoid spills and reduce risks. Paying attention to your work helps keep everyone safe.

Greet every customer with respect and a friendly attitude. Answer questions about fuel or items for sale in a simple, clear way.

Offering small checks or help with tyres and oil shows customers that you care. If a customer complains or things get busy, stay calm and polite.

You will accept payments in cash or by card. It’s important to get the amount right and give the correct change. Mistakes can lead to confusion or money problems.

Some customers may have charge accounts, and you might need to prepare simple slips or receipts. Follow your station’s rules when handling money, and always report issues like short cash or errors right away.

Petrol attendants usually work outdoors, though some shifts may include working in a small shop area. The job involves using equipment like fuel pumps and card machines, and you must always be alert.

Fuel is flammable, so safety is very important. Wear gloves or other protective gear when needed, and keep your work area clean to prevent slips.

Know where the emergency stop buttons are for fuel pumps. If there’s a spill or something dangerous happens, act quickly and follow the station’s safety rules.

Remind customers not to use their phones or smoke while near the pumps. This helps avoid accidents and keeps everyone safe.

You will operate fuel pumps to add the correct type and amount of fuel into vehicles. Always watch the fuel as it flows so you don’t overfill the tank.

You will also use card machines to process payments. If something doesn’t work, ask your supervisor for help. These machines may use simple software to track sales, and you will learn how to use them during your training.

To be a good petrol attendant, you don’t need high-level schooling or a degree, but you do need the right skills to work well and safely.

You will speak to many different people, so it’s important to be polite and clear. Good listening also helps you understand what the customer wants.

Sometimes you’ll need to explain safety steps or talk to your team, so being able to speak simply and respectfully is key.

You need to count money and check fuel amounts, so being confident with basic numbers is important. You’ll often use mental maths to give change or check totals.

Simple maths helps you avoid mistakes that could cost the station money or upset customers.

Working as a petrol attendant is a great first job that can lead to better opportunities. As you gain experience, you might become a:

Some people also move into related work, like car maintenance or retail sales. If you want to grow, your employer might offer training or support.

Helpful skills for growing in this role:

You can also look into further study in areas like small business, retail, or auto services if you want to move into higher positions.

Working as a petrol attendant is a great way to enter the job market, especially if you’re just starting out or looking for something stable.

You don’t need a fancy qualification — just a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and good people skills. This job can help you build confidence, earn an income, and open doors to even more opportunities in the future.