Nutritious Meals Are Replacing Fast Food: UPG Surveys Ukrainian Drivers’ Habits
3 July 17:23
About 83% of drivers are increasingly choosing full meals over quick snacks during their trips, and for more than 89% of those surveyed, the availability of a kitchen serving full meals makes them more likely to choose that particular gas station for a stop. This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted among customers of the UPG network, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“These results demonstrate a shift in eating habits while on the road. This trend became particularly noticeable after 2022, when car travel became one of the key ways for many Ukrainians to travel between cities. At the same time, expectations regarding stops at gas stations have also changed: drivers are increasingly viewing them as an opportunity to enjoy a full meal,” the study states.
The study also showed that food has become the main service factor influencing the choice of a gas station, second only to fuel. Respondents noted that the ability to order full meals influences their decision to stop at a gas station. This is a higher percentage than those who cited coffee, promotions, prices, or convenient location as reasons for their choice.
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According to the results, demand for full meals exists for both long trips and everyday commutes. Drivers are increasingly stopping at gas stations to eat, whether on intercity trips or during daily commutes through the city or suburbs. This indicates that full-course meals are gradually becoming a universal need regardless of the type of trip.
“The development of full-service dining at gas stations is a strategic direction that UPG has been consistently pursuing for many years. We were among the first in Ukraine to invest in a format where drivers can not only refuel their vehicles but also receive quality service and order meals prepared fresh to order. Today, the results of the study confirm the validity of this approach: customer expectations are changing, and we continue to develop our network in line with these needs,” said Viktoria Rudenko, Deputy Executive Director of UPG.
Background. UPG is a Ukrainian group of companies specializing in the trade of petroleum products. The network of gas stations ranks among the top three operators in Ukraine’s fuel market in terms of the number of gas stations under management. The company has its own logistics infrastructure and sources fuel directly from leading oil refineries in Europe and the United States.
UPG is systematically expanding its food service offerings at its gas stations and rest areas. Today, full meals are available at 66 UPG gas stations, and kitchen operations are organized in accordance with HACCP principles—internationally recognized food safety standards.
The survey was conducted among users of the UPG mobile app from June 17 to 24, 2026. A total of 260 respondents participated in the study, 234 of whom fully completed the questionnaire. Percentages are calculated based on the number of respondents who answered each individual question.
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