...Dressler -- and other foes of self-service, including AAA -- argue the price of gasoline is kept low because of the presence of gas station attendants. Paying these workers cuts into the profits of big oil companies, who then avoid the state, allowing smaller companies such as Lukoil to remain competitive and keep prices down, they say.
That theory is not universal.
Jim Benton, executive director if the New Jersey Petroleum Council, said the self-service ban is depriving New Jersey residents of lower gas prices. The price isn't tied to competition, he said. It relates to the low state tax on motor oil, which is the third lowest in the nation at 14.5 cents on the gallon, Benton said.
"New Jersey residents think they are getting a bargain for full service, but the bargain is the low motor fuel tax. A dedicated attendant, with no other job than to pump gasoline, can be redirected to being a mechanic or working at a convenience store," Benton said...