Netherlands now counts more unmanned gas stations than manned

The number of unmanned gas stations in the Netherlands quadrupled over the past 15 years, to the point that the country now counts more unmanned gas stations than manned ones, according to figures from sector association Bovag, NU.nl reports.

The number of unmanned gas stations increased from 575 in mid-2003 to 2,098 at the start of this year. In that same period, the total number of gas stations decreased by 2.7 percent to 4,121.

According to Bovag, the "classic small-scale shop" at gas stations is rapidly disappearing, being replaced by actual convenience stores. Over the past 15 years the number of convenience stores at manned gas stations increased by two thirds, from 293 to 485.

The number of large stores - with an area of over 100 square meters - at gas stations almost doubled. Seven years ago almost 8 percent of gas stations had a large shop, now almost 15 percent, or over 300, have one.