Here is a short article about one more hurdle faced by small businesses who sell gasoline. I thought it gave an interesting perspective, it also shows the problem of excise taxes at gas stations near the border of a state line. I often am called to testify in front of county and state legislators who are looking to impose higher excise taxes, and I always testify in favor of keeping the taxes at the lowest reasonable amount.
This little article shows just one small part of the problem with Ethanol.
Switch to Ethanol ‘Too Costly’ for Some Small Retailers
June 12, 2006
TOWSON, MD – Two family-run gasoline stations in Maryland decided to stop selling fuel to avoid the “costly work” necessary for storing gasoline containing ethanol, reports the Towson Jeffersonian.
Cappie Troyer told the newspaper the decision to close her gasoline operation was extremely difficult, noting that her grandparents began selling fuel at the Troyer's Liquors store in 1932.
“I know I made the right decision, but I'm sorry for all my customers,” said Troyer, adding, “I just couldn't justify spending that much money to upgrade, then find out in a few years that I'll have to spend more on something else.”
Down the road, Jon Meadowcroft commented that his decision to close his pumps was also difficult. His father, Joe Meadowcroft, built the station in 1961.
“Selling gas hasn't been profitable for us for a long time," said Meadowcroft. "We sell under 10,000 gallons a month, and that's just not enough to make money.
Meanwhile, two other local independent station owners have decided to endure the costs and make the switch from MTBE to ethanol.
David Lawson, owner of the Prettyboy Market, which operates two pumps, told the newspaper he received his first delivery of ethanol-blended gasoline in May.
“I already made the switch, but it's hard to say if I'll keep selling gas,” commented Lawson, adding, “I absolutely don't make any money pumping gas. I do it for the convenience of the store's customers.”
Maryland Line Service Center Manager Ayda Swartz noted that it cost her about $1,000 to have her tanks pumped and installed with new filters.
“As an independent owner who’s close to cheaper gas just over the state line [because of a state tax differential], we're struggling here,” said Swartz, adding, “We're not ready to give up and have big corporate gas stations be the only ones left. We're hoping local people will support local businesses.”
This little article shows just one small part of the problem with Ethanol.
Switch to Ethanol ‘Too Costly’ for Some Small Retailers
June 12, 2006
TOWSON, MD – Two family-run gasoline stations in Maryland decided to stop selling fuel to avoid the “costly work” necessary for storing gasoline containing ethanol, reports the Towson Jeffersonian.
Cappie Troyer told the newspaper the decision to close her gasoline operation was extremely difficult, noting that her grandparents began selling fuel at the Troyer's Liquors store in 1932.
“I know I made the right decision, but I'm sorry for all my customers,” said Troyer, adding, “I just couldn't justify spending that much money to upgrade, then find out in a few years that I'll have to spend more on something else.”
Down the road, Jon Meadowcroft commented that his decision to close his pumps was also difficult. His father, Joe Meadowcroft, built the station in 1961.
“Selling gas hasn't been profitable for us for a long time," said Meadowcroft. "We sell under 10,000 gallons a month, and that's just not enough to make money.
Meanwhile, two other local independent station owners have decided to endure the costs and make the switch from MTBE to ethanol.
David Lawson, owner of the Prettyboy Market, which operates two pumps, told the newspaper he received his first delivery of ethanol-blended gasoline in May.
“I already made the switch, but it's hard to say if I'll keep selling gas,” commented Lawson, adding, “I absolutely don't make any money pumping gas. I do it for the convenience of the store's customers.”
Maryland Line Service Center Manager Ayda Swartz noted that it cost her about $1,000 to have her tanks pumped and installed with new filters.
“As an independent owner who’s close to cheaper gas just over the state line [because of a state tax differential], we're struggling here,” said Swartz, adding, “We're not ready to give up and have big corporate gas stations be the only ones left. We're hoping local people will support local businesses.”
