HAMAMATSU -- An experiment with a traveling gas station was launched Monday in northern Hamamatsu, the first trial of its kind in Japan, with a tanker truck directly transferring gasoline to vehicles.
Conducted by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, the test will run through January for residents in underpopulated areas who have to make long trips to buy gasoline amid the declining number of local stations.
On Monday morning, a tanker truck stopped at the former site of a gas station in the city's Tenryu Ward. The truck transferred gasoline to local residents' vehicles via a traveling pump specifically designed for the purpose.
Only regular gasoline was available that day, with the price of 160 yen per liter matching that in neighboring areas.
In principle, the Fire Service Law does not permit the direct transfer of gas without putting the gas in an underground tank, except in times of disaster. The trial was launched with the approval of the city's fire department.
Tenryu Ward used to have 30 gas stations in 2006, but the number has since fallen to 16.
Monday's customers included farmer Umeyuki Oishi, 85, who usually makes an hourlong round trip to fuel his vehicle.
"I'd be grateful if [this traveling gas station] operates even a few times a month," Oishi said.
The traveling gas station is visiting four places within the ward. The ministry will check the safety of the procedure and how much gasoline the residents need, before considering if regulations can be relaxed.
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