Foster Fuels marks centennial anniversary

Photo: Foster Fuels

Founded and headquartered in Brookneal, Virginia, Foster Fuels is celebrating its 100th anniversary in business.

The company was established in 1921 by Lou Hilton Foster Sr., with the delivery of flour, ice and lamp oil in an ox-drawn cart. Now in its third-generation of family ownership, Foster Fuels continues to grow in the bulk petroleum distribution business. The company has seven showroom locations across central and southside Virginia.

Foster Fuels initially developed its Mission Critical Division in 2003 in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel. The division expanded to other states and provides emergency fuel service for private businesses and government agencies during extreme circumstances.

In 2021, the company assisted in relief efforts for Hurricane Ida and the Texas ice storms. Other wide-scale emergency responses have included Hurricanes Harvey, Maria and Irma (2017); Superstorm Sandy (2012); and the Haiti earthquake (2010).

Photo: Foster Fuels

The company prides itself on being the largest emergency fuel contractor for the federal government. The contract, held since 2006, covers propane, diesel, gasoline and Jet A fuel across the U.S., Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Foster Fuels partners with the Watt Foster Family Foundation, founded by CEO Watt R. Foster Jr., to give back to the community.

Community service highlights include:

• Donating a 500-acre plot in the Blue Ridge Mountains to a local church to establish a youth camp.
• Offering 100 scholarships to customers as part of the company’s centennial celebration.
• Donating more than 900 coats in 2020 to local schools and organizations in its annual Spread the Warmth coat drive.