MANCHESTER, N.H. - High gasoline prices are contributing to the demise of full-service gasoline stations, at least those located outside of New Jersey and Oregon, which require attendants to pump gas, the Union Leader reports.

Last week, Direct Gas, a full-service station in Goffstown, N.H., shuttered its pumps. Owner John Sylvain pointed to increasing gas prices as the reason he closed down.

Goffstown Mobil used to be full-service until three years ago, but owner Steve Mario said pump prices caused him to switch to self-serve. "I wish we could've stayed full-serve, but pricing wouldn't allow us to," he said. The cost of a full-time attendant at the pumps was too costly given the shrinking profit margins on gas.

Mario also said credit and debit card swipe fees ate into the slim margins, too. "It can be up to eight cents a gallon, depending on the card," he said. New Hampshire law prohibits retailers charging more for credit card sales.

Ralph??s Service Center in Milford, N.H., still offers full-service for now. "It's hard to make money on gas if you're a small guy," said Ralph Porter, who owns the business. "Full-serves are a dying breed."

"It??s too bad," added Mario. "Where else can you go where the owner of the station will pump your gas?"