Hess closing all gas stations

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Soon gas stations known for their green and white colors will disappear.

Hess Corporation announced on Monday, they are getting out of gasoline retail business to focus on energy production.

This transition is happening one month after its hedge fund Elliott Management accused the Hess of "a decade of failure."

Thomas Campbell of Northampton told 22News “It surprises me that they were doing poorly or that they were in trouble in any way.”

Hess owns nearly 1,400 gas stations in 18 states; many here in western Massachusetts.

This Hess station on Memorial Drive in West Springfield and one on King Street in Northampton, many people say, are busy all the time. So they told 22News they think someone else will take over continue to operate them as gas stations.

James LaRose of Northampton told 22News “I go to Hess here, and sometimes up in Greenfield. They have good gas, good service, but somebody will buy the station. Some other company will definitely do that. That's a very busy spot there.”

But people are now wondering -- if this will have an impact on already-high gas prices.

Michael Abbotte of Leverett said “I don't think anybody likes them high. It's a major expense especially in this down economy. I go to the lowest price on my way to work. I don't go out of my way to go to Hess. I don't have any brand loyalty, I guess when it comes to gas.”

Hess did not say when they will begin closing down gas stations, but they've already started shutting down refineries.