The Closure of Gas Stations and The Economy

Lately, I have noticed that there are gas stations around the community that are closing in these hard economic times.  I wonder if instead of raising gas prices any further, some stations are closing there doors for good, or at least until the economy gets better.  I believe that there could be several reasons for the closings. But, common sense tells me that these companies are suffering and they are forced to close as a last resort.  More recent closing have been the Citgo gas . . .