DRIVERS have noticed that, depending on how they choose to pay, there are massive price differences in their gas bills.
A gas station owner, who was aware of the issue, said they’re able to charge customers any price they want.
Drivers noticed a surcharge at gas stations across the country[/caption]
One driver said they saved thousands by avoiding gas stations that charge extra for credit car users[/caption]
Pat Igo, a Florida businessman, said he first noticed the price discrepancy when filling up his truck at a self-service gas station, as reported by Fox affiliate WFLX.
Igo manages an air conditioning installation and repair company that uses 12 massive trucks for its operations.
At the gas pump, Igo said he spotted a small label that he had never noticed before.
“I noticed this little box at the bottom,” he told WFLX. “And it didn’t match the price that was out on the street.”
The tiny sign was supposed to alert drivers that anyone using a credit card to purchase gas would be paying a dollar more per gallon.
Igo confirmed this with the station owner, who said, “I can make it any number I want.”
By avoiding places with the extra charge, Igo said he saved his company roughly $3,000 during trips to the gas station.
He also noted that signs like these should be more visible to consumers so that they can make informed decisions about where to spend their money.
“There should be a law showing what they’re going to charge you if you use a credit card,” he told Yahoo! Finance.
The Chevron gas station management did not immediately reply to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
Florida businesses, including gas stations, are allowed to add credit card surcharges, but they must clearly disclose the fee in advance, according to the state attorney general’s website.
A previous state ban was overturned in court, clearing the way for regulated surcharges tied to processing costs.
Some gas stations, however, are drawing criticism for hiding fee disclosures in fine print at the pump rather than posting them prominently.
This practice has raised concerns about transparency and compliance with state guidelines.
How To Pump Gas
There are several steps you can take to safely pump gas.
Find Your Pump
Drive up to a pump, aligning your car’s fuel tank with the nozzle. Look for the fuel indicator arrow on your dashboard or the manual to know which side your gas tank is on.
Pay for Your Gas
You can either pay at the pump with a credit/debit card or pay inside. If paying inside, give the attendant your pump number and the amount you want to spend.
Open Your Fuel Lid
Use the lever or button inside your car to open the gas tank lid, or open it manually if your car doesn’t have a lever. Unscrew the gas cap.
Pick the Right Nozzle
Grab the correct nozzle from the pump (regular, premium, or diesel). Insert it securely into your gas tank.
Select Fuel Grade
Choose the fuel grade (usually regular, mid-grade, or premium). Check your car’s manual for the recommended fuel type.
Start Pumping
Pull the trigger to begin pumping. Most nozzles have a lever that locks in place so you don’t have to hold it.
Wait for Automatic Shutoff
Keep an eye on the pump. It will automatically stop when your tank is full. You’ll hear a click when this happens.
Remove the Nozzle and Close the Tank
Carefully remove the nozzle, return it to the pump, and make sure the gas cap is tightly secured.
Get Your Receipt
If you paid at the pump, decide if you want a receipt. If you do, print it; if not, finish the transaction.
Reset Your Odometer
Inside your car, reset the fuel odometer to track your mileage. Usually, turning your car back on will reset it.
Source: AAA
The average gas price is $3.15 a gallon, according to the American Automobile Association.
Although drivers across the country have complained about soaring gas prices, one expert insists that gas station owners aren’t to blame.
Michael Mische, from the USC Marshall School of Business, delved into why California charges the most for gas.
“The data is overwhelmingly compelling,” Mische told KTLA.
“There is no evidence of price gouging, either by gas station owners or refiners or oil producers in the state – at least widespread.”
After studying roughly 50 years of gas prices, he concluded that strict regulations, special fuel requirements, high taxes, and limited supply all drive up costs for producers and California consumers.
Mische suggests looking for cheaper gas and getting a hybrid car instead of a fully electric one, as gas prices are expected to rise even more.
