Fuel is cheaper than it has been for a long time, but demand has recently been limited. Now more customers are coming, some are ignoring the obligation to wear a mask.
Würmtal - With the exit restriction, the business of petrol station operators in the Würmtal has plummeted. "It gets better, people are on the road again more," says Christina Nast from the Planegger Agip petrol station. But it is not yet easy for petrol station operators in the Würmtal. As soon as people were forced to stay at home, Marc-Oliver Kreiser from the Neurieder Aral petrol station sold 70 percent less fuel and 50 percent less in the shop and bistro. Fuel prices were cheaper than they have been for a long time. But: "People fill up when they need it."
Only the tobacco products were sold very well. In the beginning, Kreiser sold 30 percent more than usual. "That was hammered," he explains. Nast also says: “The first few weeks were at a standstill.” They hardly sold anything there. "But thank God we were allowed to work."
Slump in sales and short-time work
Ludwig Lederer from the Gräfelfingen petrol station complained of a sharp drop in sales and announced short-time work. Kreiser also sent employees on short-time work. But he was amazed to find that the shop business recovered very quickly. "People didn't stick very much to the exit restriction." Many came to him to buy an ice cream, for example. It was only when the easing for craftsmen came into force that more fuel was refilled.
Lederer believes that there is only a slow improvement in sight with regard to gastronomy, the hotel industry and tourism. "We will still feel the lack of major events such as trade fairs, Oktoberfest and normal football games for a long time to come." Kreiser, on the other hand, says that he is now back with the usual fuel sales. "I hope it goes on like this."
Opening times must be observed
Like all, Nast is very happy about the previous easing. Because no matter whether customers come or not, petrol station operators would have to adhere to their opening hours. “We have to start at 4:00 am and work on Sunday as well.” When she hears retailers repeatedly being publicly praised for their use, it hurts a little. "Not only are we not mentioned, we also get one on the lid." On the radio, she recently heard how expensive petrol stations offer flowers. "We strive 365 days a year, and it's very difficult for us too," she says. She is pleased that more customers are coming again. But it would be even better if people understood that a gas station should be considered a business. "A lot of people come without a mask." Kreiser notes: "Many just ignore it." Some forget it, he says. But of the inattentive customers, 30 percent showed no understanding of the mask requirement.
Another petrol station operator from the Würmtal finds the same thing, but does not want to be named. "It's not always easy," he says. Kreiser confirms: "It leads to unpleasant discussions." It is his employees who have to wear a mask all day. "That is the greatest burden." His employees report headaches and itchy ears. And Nast also says: “I admire the nurses in the hospital. Since we started wearing the masks, we only know what they can do. ”She takes off her hat in front of it.