Independent service stations face closure

There are predictions the days of independently owned petrol stations are numbered.

The Institute of Economic Research is warning of further petrol price hikes.

The Motor Trade Association says the spiraling cost is squeezing petrol stations' already tight profit margins of four to five cents a litre.

During the same period he says the big oil companies are enjoying increased profits.

Spokesman Andy Cuming says around 30 independently owned stations closed last year and many more are staring down the barrel of closure.

He says there is a real fear motorists will have to travel further to fill up at centrally based oil company-owned sites, if independent operators are forced to close down.

Around 850 of the country's 1400 service stations are independently owned, many of them in small rural communities.

- NEWSTALK ZB