KSS presents fuel pricing study at NACS State of Industry Conference

Results benchmark consumer fuel purchasing behavior

Florham Park, N.J.–April 17, 2007 – KSS, a global leader in retail fuel price automation and optimization, announced the release today of its research into consumer fuel buying patterns. The study findings were presented recently at the National Association of Convenience Stores’ “State of the Industry Conference,” April 12-13 in New Orleans.

KSS was asked by NACS to review the association’s recently released “NACS Consumer Fuels Report on Price Sensitivity” and evaluate these consumer responses against actual, observed consumer purchase behavior. This research provides insights into how fuel prices at the pump actually impact customers on a day-to-day basis.

KSS observed a sample data set of more than 15,000 fuel sites using its PriceNet fuel price system, to determine actual consumer purchase behavior at various price points. KSS’ analysis of consumer buying patterns confirmed that price was indeed a key factor but that price is not the only factor that effects behavior. In fact, observed buying patterns indicate that gas consumers are not as sensitive to price differences as the survey had indicated. KSS research also confirmed that price sensitivity does vary significantly between sites - even within a brand. It is clear that understanding such price sensitivities, together with the impact of competitors within that micro-market, is crucial in setting prices that maximize each site’s potential.

By understanding and leveraging consumer insight, retail fuel operators are able to better serve their consumers at each site and insure that financial objectives are met. For a copy of this report on consumer fuel buying patterns, email us at
info@kssg.com

About KSS

KSS is the global leading provider of pricing analytics, price management, rules-based pricing and optimization technology and services to fuel retailers and wholesalers in the oil and gas, convenience store, grocery and big box retail industries. KSS clients include global, national and regional companies managing a total of over $100 billion in revenue through more than 20,000 fuel sites and rack terminals, throughout the world. KSS US headquarters are located in Florham Park, NJ with European headquarters in Manchester, UK.

For further information please visit the website at www.kssg.com or contact:

Bob Stein, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 (973) 549 1850
Mark Hawtin, Vice President Marketing Tel: +44 (0)161 228 0040

For media inquiries, contact Roy Miller Tel: +1 972 717 3500 ext 235 or rmiller@transsynergy.com