HAMAMATSU, Japan >> An experiment with a traveling gas station is taking place in northern Hamamatsu, the first trial of its kind in Japan, with a tanker truck directly transferring gasoline to vehicles.

The test, which is being conducted by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, began Nov. 19 and will run through January for residents in underpopulated areas who have to make long trips to buy gasoline amid a declining number of local stations.

The first day of the test, the tanker truck stopped at the former site of a gas station in the city’s Tenryu Ward.

The truck transferred gasoline to local residents’ vehicles via a specially designed pump.

Only regular gasoline was available that day at a price of about $5.38 a gallon, which matched the prices at stations in neighboring areas.

The Fire Service Law does not permit the direct transfer of gas without putting the gas in an underground tank, except in times of disaster, but the trial was launched with the approval of the city’s fire department.

Tenryu Ward had 30 gas stations in 2006, but now has 16.

One customer was farmer Ume-yuki Oishi, 85, who usually makes an hourlong round-trip to fuel his vehicle.

“I’d be grateful if (this traveling gas station) operates even a few times a month,” Oishi said.

The ministry will check the safety of the procedure and how much gasoline the residents need, before considering if regulations can be relaxed.