These business owners must have derived some benefit in selling their premises or changing the structure of their agreements with the oil companies, as there are only two or three gas station operators left who actually own the station. Because of these huge investments contracts have changed even more dramatically in recent years, and gas stations have diversified far beyond their core business of gasoline and lubricants. This diversification is a world-wide trend that is being resisted tenaciously in the Bahamas because of perceived unfair competition with small business. This may be a valid point in some respects, but oil prices and profits are regulated by government fiat, not the free market, so if they are to stay in business they have to find ways to make a reasonable return on investment. No different than any other businessman.
Owners have Alternatives.
Wholesalers and retailers in industries other than gas stations own their premises for the most part, therefore, they have more of a stake in the partnership. Even so, the arrangement can be legally severed if it is felt the product is not being represented as the supplier would prefer, or visa-versa. The difference here is that the business owner locates another similar product to represent. Finding another supplier is easier said than done in the case of the oil companies however. The oil company has advanced the argument that the new company is not meeting the rigid standards they have with physical plant and their concern for the environment, so their price can be undercut.