Patent ID: 8185449

Claim:
A computer implemented method comprising the steps of: providing at least one server comprising at least one processor executing instructions for performing the steps of: receiving a wholesale signal representing a wholesale fuel price; calculating a fuel entitlement price based on the wholesale fuel price and a cost associated with distribution and storage of fuel to a plurality of filling stations, and wherein the fuel entitlement price is valid for a first order time period; receiving within the first order time period an order signal representing a first order by a customer for a fuel entitlement volume at the fuel entitlement price, and accepting the first order, wherein the fuel entitlement volume entitles the customer to take delivery from one or more of the plurality of filling stations, within a first entitlement time period, of a volume of fuel, in the aggregate, up to the fuel entitlement volume, the first entitlement time period extending beyond the first order time period; updating a fuel entitlement balance of the customer to reflect the first order and the first entitlement time period; and updating the fuel entitlement balance of the customer in response to receipt of data indicating that the customer has taken delivery of a volume of fuel from a filling station.