Motorists in the Dutch village of Voorst faced miles of traffic queues and a temporary police blockade on Saturday as local DCO filling station sold petrol and diesel for one euro per liter during its final hour of operation, NOS reported. The station at Rijksstraatweg 182A is closing permanently after 38 years in business to make way for new housing developments.
The pricing stunt took place between 16:00 and 17:00, drawing massive crowds that stretched across the entire length of the Gelderland village before the discount hour even began. Earlier in the day, fuel cost 2.13 euros per liter, but owner Jan de Croon saved the major promotion for the final hour. During the stunt, drivers were limited to a maximum of 100 liters, and filling jerrycans was strictly prohibited. Two traffic controllers and six staff members attempted to manage the site, while police intervened on the access roads to turn away motorists whose arrival made joining the back of the queue pointless.
Discounted Fuel Causes Traffic Gridlock and Long Queues
The extraordinary discounts triggered immense delays and spirited reactions from both locals and travelers from afar. The first customers arrived as early as 13:30 to secure their spot at the pump. Traffic gridlocked the surrounding roads, spilling over onto the forecourt of an unmanned station across the street.
We just have a very boring village, and now finally something is happening.
, a local woman remarked. So we thought, we’ll just go there for a bit.
And it’s really cozy here too.
Owner Closes Station with Prizes and Fuel Price Protest
The closing day featured additional activities, including a wheel-of-fortune style game where visitors could win a free tank fill. De Croon noted that the morning rush already exceeded expectations, bringing in four times the normal volume of customers within the first half-hour. According to Hart van Nederland, the owner intended the gesture not only as a festive goodbye to patrons, but also as a statement against high fuel prices.
Just before 17:00, the station gates were firmly shut as planned to allow staff to begin an internal farewell party. Despite the chaotic traffic and police intervention at the perimeter roads, no major irregularities were reported during the event.