Garages running out of gas

[Pebb]

Source: AutoExpress

Deserted forecourts like this are now a common sight across the UK

A new survey has found that the number of petrol stations has fallen by nearly a half to 10,000. And researchers at Mintel predict a further 2,000 will go by the end of next year.

Soaring fuel prices are the main reason for the rising closure rate. Small, independent outlets in the country are most at risk, as they have fewer pumps and are less profitable than big supermarket forecourts.

 

[L8 Apex]

Filling stations have been going belly-up for years here in the states (or at least here in the L.A. area). Heck, within the last week or two a Shell station in my hometown was bulldozed, joining the at least 4 or 5 in the immediate area that have gone under (literally and figuratively) in the last decade.
It's a sign of the times, I guess...

 

[niky]

Stations are going the way of the small shops, everywhere. With high fuel prices and stiff competition for customers, it's only the big stations that can survive.

A lot of the new stations here look almost like shopping malls. And that's the thing, really. If you don't have enough pumps and enough value added service, you just can't compete with those behemoths.

And here I was thinking of investing in a micro-station being offered by one of the up-and-coming companies. A dual pump station for under $50,000 in capital. And that includes the cashier, office and a rudimentary water closet. Pretty nifty little thing. Probably wouldn't make me any money, though.

 

[Kylehnat]

I honestly haven't seen an independent gas station in years. If they close one Shell station, it doesn't hurt Shell one bit. It's takes a lot to dent their multi-billion dollar quarterly profits. It is a shame to see mom and pop operations close, though, whether it be a gas station or music store. But that's business...

 

[Pupik]

There's a lot of gas stations disappearing around the South Florida area; mostly the small 6 and 8 pump stations (very few could ever be considered a "garage" anymore!) have made way for the multi-pump (think 12 to 24) complexes that have convienence stores and even fast-food restaurants in them that rival small grocery stores.

The small shops can't compete because they can't expand upon the small bit of land they're placed on. I've been told that the franchises don't make a lot of money on fuel, just a few pennies per gallon profit. The real money is on the food and drink and other goodies in the store.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

I have also noticed at least 5-6 local gas stations closing down. Thats just in my town within about a 20 mile radius.

 

[ExigeEvan]

Source: AutoExpress

Deserted forecourts like this are now a common sight across the UK

*snip*

A new survey has found that the number of petrol stations has fallen by nearly a half to 10,000. And researchers at Mintel predict a further 2,000 will go by the end of next year.

Soaring fuel prices are the main reason for the rising closure rate. Small, independent outlets in the country are most at risk, as they have fewer pumps and are less profitable than big supermarket forecourts.

Is this really a surprise?

Just about the only petrol stations I see are supermarket or large fuel companies (Texaco mainly in my area due to proximity to Milford Haven).

The only times I have seen independant stations is on holiday, places where there isn't a major city withing 2 hours drive.