If gas stations don't make money off of gasoline ...

... why do they sell it?

According to this, they make much more money by selling candy bars, pop and other semi-healthy and unhealthy things.

Doesn't this make the whole point of the gas station/convenience store at the corner to get you inside to buy things other than gas? Then why not get rid of the pay at the pump credit card thingamabobs and make everyone go inside, and assault them with various types of advertising that made America great?

However, "Increasingly, a station owner's biggest challenge is convincing drivers to step inside the store after they gas up."

Well, DUH!

To get a competitive edge, many station owners are investing heavily in other things. Rutter's Hartman says he makes more selling a cup of coffee than a gallon of gas, and is operating his stations with that in mind. He's emphasizing convenience, building bigger stations and investing over $1 million in bathroom upgrades, "more like you would find in an upscale restaurant."

I can see it now:
"Oh, I'm sorry sir, but I am afraid we insist you wear a tie before we give you keys to the restroom. We have an image to uphold, you know. "

At least it will make more jobs. Think of how many people will be employed to brush off your sport coat and hand you a mint as you exit the restroom.