加油站，突然“跑路”

Core Insights - The closure of the Xin Qi gas station in Shandong Jining on December 31, 2025, raised suspicions of it "running away," leaving consumers with unspent balances in their fuel cards, highlighting the increasing operational pressures faced by gas stations due to the rising penetration of electric vehicles [1][10]. Company Summary - Xin Qi gas station, opened in 2019, gained local trust through continuous promotional activities and was associated with the local Xin Qi Group, although the group denied any investment or ownership in the gas station [3][5]. - The gas station frequently offered promotions, such as locking in fuel prices for prepaid amounts, but shifted to cashback incentives in 2022, which escalated in 2025 with offers like "charge 3000 get 3000" [8][9]. Industry Summary - The trend of gas stations suddenly closing and causing disputes over prepaid fuel cards is not isolated, with similar cases reported in other regions, indicating a broader issue within the industry [12]. - As of the end of 2024, there were approximately 121,000 gas stations in China, with private stations accounting for over half, yet they only contributed to 25% of the total fuel consumption, indicating significant competitive pressure [12][13]. - The ongoing transition to electric vehicles is expected to exacerbate the challenges faced by gas stations, with predictions that up to 20,000 stations may be eliminated by 2030 due to declining fuel consumption [13].