Excol Service Station operator Robert Spence gave customers half price unleaded petrol as a ‘thank you’ for their support.
The businessman had operated the garage at the Dry Arch Roundabout in Letterkenny on behalf of the receiver Martin Ferris since March 2010.
However the business was put up for auction recently and Mr Spence was unsuccessful in his bid for the property.
Mr Spence had to vacate the premises yesterday and found himself with a supply of unleaded petrol in his tanks which he could not take with him.
Up until yesterday a litre of unleaded at the station cost €1.55.9.
“I decided that instead of just leaving it there I would make some money on it and give it to my many loyal customers a going away present.
“If people filled up their tanks then they only had to pay half the price.
“Let’s just say it didn’t stop here for a few hours,” he said.
Indeed at one stage there were tailbacks into Mr Spence’s service station for almost half a mile.
One woman exclaimed “I wish I had a bigger car so I could fill it up more.”
Mr Spence said he was sad to be leaving the premises.
He said he now hopes the new operator will give due consideration to taking on the 20 employees at the petrol station and shop.