The consolidation of the American gas station (1994-2024)
The number of gas stations in the US fell from about 200,000 in the mid-1990s to about 145,000 today. Independent operators closed or were bought out as fuel margins thinned and chains consolidated.
Many neighborhoods lost local stations, often leaving vacant lots or converted buildings.
The industry consolidated around a few large chains, and stations became larger with more convenience-store offerings.
A single station dropping off a license list may be part of this long-running pattern, but the license lapse alone doesn't confirm it.
