The Ever-Shrinking Number of Gas Stations: The Reality of 'Refueling Refugees' Faced by Motorcyclists

While touring, have you ever had the cold sweat of seeing your fuel gauge show nearly empty while being unable to find the next gas station? Recently, there have been increasing reports of people feeling that 'gas stations have decreased' not only in rural areas but also in cities. Upon investigation, this is not just a feeling, but a nationwide phenomenon. Why do gas stations continue to decrease? The background involves a combination of multiple factors, such as improved fuel efficiency, legal revisions, and a shortage of successors. In this article, we will consider the reasons, the countermeasures that motorcyclists should know, and future prospects.

What is happening: The 'decline' in numbers

• The number of gas stations nationwide has decreased for 30 consecutive years. As of the end of fiscal year 2024, there are 27,009 stations. This is less than half of the peak of 60,421 stations at the end of fiscal year 1994 (a 30-year consecutive decline). [sp.m.jiji.com]

• A decrease of about 40% in the last 20 years. Stations that numbered over 50,000 in 2002 shrank to 27,963 stations by the end of fiscal year 2022. Depending on the municipality, there are an increasing number of areas where it is 15km or more from home to the nearest station. [nippon.com]

This shrinkage is not just a story about certain prefectures or cities. It is a nationwide, structural trend, and it is reported that the number of operating businesses has also decreased to less than 40% of what it was about 30 years ago. [sp.m.jiji.com]

Why are they decreasing: Overlapping complex factors

Gasoline demand has decreased due to improved fuel efficiency and electrification

Due to the spread of hybrid vehicles and light cars, as well as lighter vehicle bodies and engine efficiency, the amount of fuel per vehicle has decreased. This is leading to a decrease in sales for stations. The expansion of EVs and HVs is also a factor in the shrinking demand for gasoline. [nippon.com], [nttev.com]

Equipment renewal costs due to the 2010 Fire Service Act revision

Measures against corrosion and leakage of underground tanks have been strengthened, and tanks with a service life of over 40 years are required to be repaired or replaced. For small-scale stores that find it difficult to recover huge investments, cases of choosing to close down have increased. [nippon.com], [nttev.com]

Shortage of successors and aging of business owners

Even in a survey by the Petroleum Association of Japan, 'lack of a successor' accounts for the majority of reasons for business closure. Population decline and the outflow of the young population to cities are accelerating this. [nhs.nito.co.jp]

Excessive competition in the industry and the wave of self-service

The increase in self-service stations contributes to reducing labor costs, but the decline in full-service stations is progressing at an even faster rate, leading to a reduction in the total number. In urban areas, coupled with the trend of moving away from car ownership, the structure is prone to worsening profitability. [kuruma-sateim.com]

Where is the trouble? The reality of 'gas station depopulation' areas

The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy defines municipalities with three or fewer gas stations as 'gas station depopulated areas.' As of fiscal year 2021, at least 282 municipalities face the issue of being 15km or more away from the nearest station, and data has been published showing that 348 municipalities have three or fewer (including some with zero stations). While these are concentrated in areas like Hokkaido, Nagano, and Nara, the issue is spreading nationwide. Because this also affects the delivery of heating kerosene and the daily lives of the elderly, the reality is that
it is not just a car-related problem. [nippon.com]

Practical measures to reduce the 'anxiety' from a motorcyclist's perspective

To avoid becoming a 'refueling refugee' while touring, a combination of advance preparation and on-site response is effective.

Understanding cruising range and making 'early refueling' a habit

• Actual cruising range from a full tank should be understood based on the season and route (fuel efficiency tends to drop in winter).

• 1/3 fuel remaining rule: Before entering mountainous or coastal depopulated areas, always refuel when the fuel level reaches 1/3.

Embedding 'refueling points' into route design

• Pin gas stations along the route in advance using Google Maps' **'Stars' or 'Lists'**.

• Self-service stations on major roads are often open at night (24-hour or late-night operations are relatively common), so prioritize them.

• Areas near EV charging hubs at roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) may have sparse gasoline availability. Secure refueling points beforehand.

Preparing for on-site risks

• **Mobile fuel bottles (compliant with legal standards)** are a lifeline in emergencies. However, safety comes first when carrying and storing them.

• Countermeasures for when cashless payment is not accepted: In rural areas, some shops only accept cash. Always carry thousand-yen bills and coins.

• Check operating hours: Since some privately owned stations are closed on Sundays or close in the evening, refuel early in the afternoon.

Maintenance & Fuel Efficiency Awareness

• Chain maintenance and tire pressure optimization balance fuel efficiency and handling stability. Streamline luggage by keeping it light and avoiding a high center of gravity.

• Headwinds and winter fuel efficiency drops should be anticipated, so plan with a margin of safety.

Industry Survival Strategies and the Future of Energy Hubs

Gas stations are not just disappearing. Survival strategies are being explored in various regions.

• Diversified management: Diversifying revenue sources through car washes, maintenance, tire and oil sales, kerosene sales, and adding convenience stores or cafes. [nttev.com], [nhs.nito.co.jp]

• Public-private partnership model: Attempts at low-cost operations using municipal subsidies and above-ground tanks (e.g., Urugi Village, Nagano Prefecture). [nhs.nito.co.jp]

• Adapting to EV and hydrogen: The installation of rapid chargers and the expansion of hydrogen station networks are progressing with policy support. Evolution into multi-energy hubs has begun. [biz.nissan.co.jp], [imarcgroup.com]

However, EV charging takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, so simply having a station on-site does not guarantee customer traffic. Collaboration with destination facilities like shopping malls and roadside stations is essential. [nttev.com]

Don't let your guard down in urban areas—The difference in the 'nature of the decline'

In urban areas, demand is decreasing due to the trend of moving away from car ownership, and consolidation into large roadside-type stations is progressing. As a result, in the form of ' old-fashioned neighborhood shops disappearing and consolidating along main roads,' a phenomenon occurs where even if the distance is short, they are 'hard to stop at.' While self-service and price competition lead to standardized services, dissatisfaction remains among users who seek the attentiveness of full-service stations. [kuruma-sateim.com]

A 'Information Equipment' Checklist for Motorcyclists

• ✅ Fuel efficiency log: Record the distance traveled for each refueling and understand the seasonal coefficient (winter -5 to 10%) for your own vehicle.

• ✅ Refueling point map: Before departure, embed at least 3 candidates into your route.

• ✅ Time planning: Always refuel once between noon and evening. Treat night-operating stores as insurance.

• ✅ Emergency kit: Legal-compliant bottle, cash, light, and thermal gear.

• ✅ Maintenance: Air pressure, chain, oil, and load balance.

This 'information equipment' is the minimum set required to turn anxiety into 'certainty'.