Are We About To Lose An Iconic Gas Station In Bismarck?

One of North Dakota's Largest Gas Stations is Closing 1,000 Locations

I wrote an update yesterday on Shell gas stations across the country turning off the pumps nationwide. The states that are expected to see the biggest losses were Minnesota and South Dakota in our region. Nationally, Texas and California were expected to see the most closures. You can read more about that below.

(SEE ALSO: Shell is Closing 1000 Gas Stations)

The main reason for these closures?  Consumers are shifting to more hybrid and electric vehicles across the country.

Shell Plans to Convert these 1000 Stations to EV Charging Stations

North Dakotans, however, haven't really taken the bait when it comes to EV vehicles. We have the fewest number of electric vehicles in the nation. According to Exploding Topics, how few?  Try only .08 percent.  A total of only 640 EVs in North Dakota.  That works out to adoption rates lower than 1 in 1000.

Could Bismarck be Losing a VERY Popular and Beloved Shell Station?

We have four of them in town? One of them is not only known for gas, but also so much more. Their food is top-shelf, and they were even chosen for having the best sandwiches in the state recently, according to one publication. I know many individuals and businesses that get lunch from this Shell station at least once a week.

We received a tip yesterday from a former gas station owner in Bismarck that one of the Shell stations in town will be closing (as early as the end of February). Rumors were also flying online of the potential closure. I reached out to the management of this local Shell station yesterday, who told me they declined to comment.

I sure hope this is not true. I really like this place, and it's such an iconic fixture and a beloved part of the community. However, where there's smoke, there's usually fire. People are really going to be surprised if this location does indeed close. We will continue to keep you up to date on this developing situation.