BP communications manager Jonty Mills confirmed the closure of the service station, which is at least 40 years old, saying it was the decision of long-time independent operator Bryan Usher, who he said had several BP stations in Otago.
Mr Mills said old fuel tanks could last for 25 to 40 years while new double-skin tanks had a life expectancy of 40 to 50 years. However, depending on capacity, they could cost more than $350,000 to install.
He said the BP 2Go Regent tanks were understood to be the oldest in the BP network, as they were installed in the 1970s.
''It's entirely the decision of the independent operator on whether it's economically viable [to continue] on what the site generates from pumping,'' Mr Mills said.
Mr Usher did not return calls. BP understood Mr Usher owned the land and buildings, and that the service station would close in mid-December.
