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| GREG TRAVIS/Ledger & Times
Monty McCuiston, left, talks with Randy Brandon Monday afternoon at Max’s 641 Citgo. The station will stop selling gasoline Saturday. |
Station Pays Price For Gas Prices:
Max's 641 Citgo forced to quit selling gasoline
By GREG TRAVIS
Staff Writer
Max's 641 Citgo will no longer sell gasoline as of Saturday.
In a letter to its customers, it was explained, “It is hard not to notice the obstacles in today's economy, especially the oil industry. After being in the service station business for 43 years, we have seen a lot of changes, some good and some not so good. One thing we have noticed over the years is our customers. We have grown to know so many of you and have made so many friends...
“With the most recent spike in gas prices we are unable to sell the product without performing modifications to our pumps. The cost to do this modification and maintain our equipment is just too overwhelming.”
Monty McCuiston said Monday afternoon that the most recent spike in oil increases sealed their decision.
“We can't go over $4 per gallon without having to install new computers in each of the 12 pumps,” he said, adding all of the recent gasoline price increases have really slowed business down.
In addition, he said he expected to see the price of gasoline to be over $4 per gallon by the July 4th holiday.
“We are only making around three-cents per gallon on the gasoline. These high prices are hurting everyone. And they are hurting food and grocery prices, among other things,” McCuiston added.
He said his family had been contemplating the decision for approximately six months as they watched the prices continue to rise. “We hate to do it. We've made lots of friends and customers. There are a lot of people who have been with us from day one. There are little old ladies that we worry about what they will do.”
To read the complete article, pick up a copy of Tuesday's Murray Ledger & Times.
Story created Jun 10, 2008 - 21:39:16 EDT.
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