Customers pump gas Tuesday from the new pumps that recently went online at the 7-Eleven station on Main Street in Lewiston. An equipment malfunction in the older pumps forced a shutdown in March 2022. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

After nearly a year of boarded up gas pumps at the 7-Eleven at 345 Main St., the gasoline is once again flowing, making customers and the franchise owner very happy. “The customers are very excited,” Dalia Karim told the Buzz on Thursday. “They are more excited than we are.”

Karim said an equipment malfunction in the older pumps forced the shutdown in March 2022 and it took until now for 7-Eleven corporate to line up replacement pumps.

CommTank, a commercial fuel tank installation and maintenance company serving New England, said gas station fuel pumps cost between $16,000 and $21,000 each to replace — plus installation — depending on the options like digital screens, the ability to dispense multiple fuels and credit card technology.

Three, two-sided new pumps, offering three grades of fuel were installed at the Main Street 7-Eleven in just four weeks, less time than expected the owner said.

Karim said not having the pumps hurt their business, so she was all smiles as customers walked in and out of the convenience store. Prior to this week, customers had only one choice for gasoline and diesel on the downtown section of Main Street.

The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or cwheelock@sunjournal.com