Oregon may allow stations with self-service but in rural areas: Reuters

Oregon, one of only two U.S. states with prohibitions against self service in fuel stations, may start approving some self-serve stations, mostly in rural areas, Reuters news reported May 7.

State legislators are expected to give approval in a meeting later in May, Reuters added. The move will allow drivers to pay with a credit card and pump their own gas but only when a station is understaffed.

Some rural areas lack enough fuel stations and the change aim to help make fuel more available in regions such as Oregon border with Nevada.

“At The Fields Station in Fields, Oregon, people will call 911 in the winter if they run out of gas. Owner Tom Downs said local law enforcement will call him at home if they are out on a call to make sure they have enough fuel to return to their stations,” Reuters said.

In some cases, drivers who need to fill up must wait in line until personnel at fuel stations arrive in the morning because of the restriction, the report said.