Steven Krivit wrote:
But the closing down of gas stations? This seems significant.
Has anyone else noticed this trend and if so, in what part of the country
or planet?
I have not noticed, but it would not surprise me. During the first oil
crisis in the 1970s hundreds of thousands of gas stations closed. In most
states, almost all the remaining ones converted to self service. I think
the main reasons are:
Gas station profit margins are razor thin, and it is a highly competitive
business. Most only stay in business by selling food and sundries. Demand
for gas has probably fallen in response to higher prices, and all it takes
is a slight drop in business to push many gas stations out of business.
Gas stations themselves use a lot of energy. The older ones should be
closed down and replaced. In Atlanta, many of the older ones are leaking
gasoline into the ground, which is an environmental nightmare.
- Jed
