Reply #54: Some association of station owners to prevent the 'gas-only' stations from taking over. [View All]

[FormerDittoHead]

Maybe I'm showing my age, but back in the day, there were "service stations" where you not only bought gas, but you could get your car serviced as well.

The owners of those stations figured if self-service was allowed, big chains ("Merit") would come in, undercut their price by not having to hire mechanics, etc., and the service stations would all but go out of business.

It hasn't stopped the big chains from moving in, however, there IS a "full service" gas station up the road from me.

I should also point out that for some reason, our gas is always cheaper than it is in PA, which I've seen charges SEVENTY FIVE CENTS A GALLON MORE in order to pump the gas for you.