Self-service: Growing bigger for bigger volume. There will probably always be corner gasoline stations. But a person doesn't need to own a car to see that the service-station industry is shrinking and changing. According to a government estimate, the number of gas stations has dropped about 30,000, more than 10 percent nationwide, in three years. Some dealers are asking how fast the remaining 19,999-odd stations may shut down and who is to blame.

Photo is dated 1975.

Photo measures 10 x 8 inches.