POP Isn’t Free: Understanding Proof of Product in Fuel Deals

Inexperienced buyers often ask the same question: “Can you provide Proof of Product before I commit?” It’s a fair question—until you understand how legitimate bulk fuel transactions work.

In this article, we’ll debunk the myth of free POP and explain why producers never release Proof of Product without verified buyer commitment.

What Is POP in the Petroleum Industry?

Proof of Product (POP) refers to documentation that proves the existence and readiness of a fuel supply. It typically includes:

• Product specifications (fuel analysis)

• Origin and location of fuel

• Quantity available

• Storage confirmation

• Allocation or lifting rights

But here’s the key: POP is not a marketing tool. It’s a compliance step, only issued when a transaction is already moving forward.

Why Sellers Don’t Provide POP Upfront

Fuel producers—unlike brokers or resellers—don't “chase” buyers. They have the product and the infrastructure; their risk lies in wasted logistics and storage time.

Issuing POP before a buyer shows readiness invites risk:

• Wasted time with unverified buyers

• Premature port access and documentation disclosure

• Potential misuse or falsification of seller credentials

That’s why real producers have a hard rule: no storage = no POP.

The “Free POP” Trap

If someone offers you free POP, be cautious. In most cases, that seller is:

• Not the actual producer

• A middleman without allocation rights

• Trying to shop around the POP for another buyer

Legitimate producers simply don’t operate this way. They expect serious buyers to follow their procedures—starting with documented proof of terminal readiness.

POP Is Earned Through Commitment

In performance-based procedures like Tank-to-Tank (TTT), POP is issued only after the buyer:

1. Submits valid documentation for terminal storage

2. Shares port codes, GPS coordinates, and tank numbers

3. Passes electronic validation checks with the port authority

Until then, there’s no POP. And no, partial storage or “promises” to provide the rest later won’t cut it.

If you need free POP to move forward, you're not ready for a producer-level deal. You’re better suited to working with a reseller—at a markup.

When You Do Get POP

Once your storage is verified and all terms are aligned, the seller will issue POP as part of the scheduled lift. You’ll then receive:

• Fuel injection documentation

• Access credentials

• Delivery coordination support

This marks the point of no return: the transaction is live, and fuel is en route.

Final Word

In bulk fuel transactions, POP is a milestone—not a marketing pitch. If you’re ready to buy, prove it with verified storage. Only then will a real producer deliver the proof you need to proceed.

No shortcuts. No free POP. Just real deals, done right.