NJGCA Members Support Bill to Legalize Optional Self-Serve 

Today, the New Jersey Legislature introduced legislation that would allow residents the option to pump their own gas or continue with full-serve from an attendant. Following the introduction, members of the New Jersey Gasoline, Convenience Store, Automotive Association (NJGCA), whose membership includes nearly a thousand small business motor fuel retailers, released the following statements.

“The current law that does not allow for self-serve is crippling my small business,” said Joe Ocello, President of NJGCA and gas station owner. “When I got into the business years ago it was a great way to make a living, a pathway to the American dream. But increasing prices and labor shortages are making it more and more difficult to run a gas station.” 

“I can guarantee that allowing for a self-serve option will save motorists, who exercise their right to choose, money at the gas pump,” said Kashmir Gill, NJGCA member and owner of multiple locations in Central Jersey. “As a station owner, I know that the self-serve option will bring my businesses significant cost savings that I can pass along to my customers.” 

“I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep my gas stations open due to the labor shortages, significantly impacting my business,” said Levent Sertbas, NJGCA member and gas station owner. “There have been multiple instances where I have had to close midday because I cannot find attendants to work the gas pumps.” 

“Over the last few years, I have watched my station, and stations nearby, lose a significant amount of business to neighboring states due to high gasoline prices in New Jersey,” said Ebbie Ashabi, NJGCA member and gas station owner. “Permitting a self-serve option will put our businesses back on track to compete with our neighbors.”

“I offer all of my employees pay well above the minimum wage, and I still cannot find employees to work the gas pumps,” said Ed Kashouty, NJGCA member and gas station owner. “Finding people to work a gas pump, when they can make the same inside at a warehouse or retail store, is nearly impossible. Have the option for self-serve will allow me to keep my station open with minimal staff.” 

“It is a regular occurrence at many stations to have multiple gas pumps blocked by orange cones because the owner does not have enough employees to work every pump,” said Sal Risalvato, NJGCA Executive Director. “Allowing for a self-serve option would allow them to open those pumps, while still offering full-serve for those who would like it.” 

If enacted, the measure would go into effect 90 days after it was signed into law. For more information, please visit fuelyourwaynj.com