Guangdong to eliminate 500 stations

China’s Guangdong Province said the local government will standardize service stations, with about 500 stations planned for shut-down due to poor safety conditions and unattractive locations. Guangdong Province currently operates more than 5,600 service stations within the province, some of which are located in remote areas. Some operators of these stations either steal oil or mix it with water, while other stations are located close to residential areas, raising safety concerns. (September 5, 2007)