Gas Boycotts Hurting More than BP

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The BP oil spill in the Gulf is officially the worst in American history. As the failed attempts to plug the leak pile up, many outraged citizens are responding by calling for a boycott of BP gas. But the giant company may not even feel the effects of a boycott, as many stores are independently owned by someone who likely lives in your community.

On YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and many other internet sites, people are calling for a boycott of BP gas stations.

BP estimates oil is flowing out of the leak at an estimated rate of 12,000 to 19,000 barrels every day.

Samear Abuhamad and his family have owned a downtown gas station for about seven years. Since 2007, all BP's have been independently owned and operated. Abuhamad says BP gets a little more than a dime of every gallon sold.

"This BP is my father's; we really don't have anything to do with the oil spill at all. All we do is sell gas really."

Abuhamad says he's noticed a slight downturn in business since the oil leak, but says most gas customers choose their station based on price.

One motorist said he has no plans to intentionally avoid BP stations.

"Accidents happen, BP certainly didn't plan to have this thing happen and they're doing everything they can to get it fixed, so are all involved, so I have no reason to boycott anyone."

Others say they will join the boycott movement.

"I feel the taxpayers are going to end up sending the money to help the clean-up."

Abuhamad said all his family can do is hope people continue to see this BP as a part of the neighborhood.

"My regulars, they come in here a lot, they are always going to be my regulars. If you treat customers right they're always going to come back."

A spokesperson for BP said they hope that people judge the company on its response, not on the leak.