Anyone notice that some gas stations have recently started charging a higher premium for premium gas? Traditionally, gas stations usually up the price in 10 cent increments from their regular 87 octane up to the premium octane. There's only three grades so if the price is $3.75 per gal, it should be $3.95 per gal for premium. That should be common sense. I only get my gas from BP for their quality gas. I recently noticed that their Premium grade is about 20 cents higher than the mid-grade price, and I have been to one that charged 25 cents! I normally don't notice because they block off the prices for the other grades after your selection, but I'm a cheapskate and I look. Anyone know if it is just a BP gas station thing or is it the new norm?
Funny you mention this. I noticed this today driving by a Sinclair. Regular $3.69 Mid-grade $3.79 Premium $4.09
An easy way to increase profits. More and more cars are requiring premium fuel. I have also noticed the same thing. St. Michael BP the difference was $.40, the BP in Rogers the difference was about $.30.
I'll have to keep my eyes out for this. I typically don't pay any attention to it because I need to get premium anyway. Like MNGman said, it's probably just a revenue generator. They post a cheaper regular fuel price than the next station, but upcharge even more-so on premium since more cars are requiring it.
The BP on MTKA BLVD is like 38 cents higher for 93 than 87. That place is nuts. The one time I bought gas there I noticed the price, stopped a 1/2 gal and went to the next BP on Lake Street. Kind of stupid but I was pissed off about their pricing at the time.
^I stopped there the other day and their gas was $4.35/gallon...when everyone else (BP's) were at $4.09. Must be the BMW and Mercedes purchases that drive up the prices there?
Try driving to WI, I went to my parents house last week and 87 was 379 wile 93 was 435. In the S metro it seems like its usually a .20 diff between 87 and 91-93.
I always thought it was 20 more for 91/92 and 30 more for 93, but recently noticed that the SA by my house in Lakeville went from 20 to 25 more for 91. Either way I'm just happy prices are starting to come down somewhat.
I have noticed this too, went to the bp in Edina and it was about 35 cents more per gallon than regular and then another 5 cents per gallon if you weren't paying with cash, I asked the guy inside why that was and told me that "we live in a cash world" . Had to explain to him what year it was before I left.
I know credit card companies keep a % of the total transaction. They call it a convenience fee or something of that sort and so merchants have had to raise their prices to make up for the expense. But I hope the credit card & cash gas rate split doesn't show up in MN because I pay by CC only. I guess it depends on the gas station on how much to overcharge on premium gas. I went to BP again yesterday and it was $.30 over the cost of regular ($.20 over mid-grade). Anyone have a grappling hook gun they can sell me? It would be helpful whenever I'm in traffic.
but we'll be losing the battle at the end Its not worth it right now unless E85 is $2.75/gal Once its $1.15 difference over premium then thats when I'm converting, not now
Costco Membership, Executive Upgrade, Costco Amex. The membership and upgrade are more than paid for with percentage back, never mind that I can often get 92 octane for less than 87 at the Holiday near my house. For me, its "on the way" most of the time.
Kwik Trip, Holiday, Bill's Superette are all 20 cents more for Premium than regular. I like Bill's because they sell 92 octane vs 91 everywhere else around me.
I'd rather pay an extra dime a gallon than venture into a Super America or Holiday...parking lot is way too busy for my tastes with the great unwashed masses in a hurry for a scratch-off, smokes, donut, or coffee. Surprises me there aren't more accidents in those $h!t holes.
^agree, why fight/rush for a open pump when BP never has anyone, ok maybe 1 or 2 cars which is another reason I didn't go E85. Holiday will be my main gas station and I don't want to go pump with them people. They will ask for change or if I have a dollar to lend them
There are 3 BPs between home (Savage) and work (Mendota Heights)....all of them are at least a $0.40 premium over regular (no pun intended ). One in Burnsville is even $0.45! I noticed SA and Kwik Trip are still at $0.20. Looks like I will be stopping at Shell on my way home tomorrow. Greed!
When we went to Chicago last weekend I made it a point to stop in Wisconsin for fuel there and back so I didnt have to pay the ~40c difference for being in Chicago.
go to the bp on robbert there always 20c more for 93. Shell gas is the worst gas you could buy they put more additives than they do gas.
Waaaaaay out of the way for me... I have not had any issues with Shell over the years, nor have I previously heard of any issues. (wait, is that a pun?)
When I was in school we did a test on what was in gas. after all the testing was done we found that mobile had the best gas with 7% ethanol bp was 8 and a local chain in chicago also had 8. Shell was 10% or above and there was like 10% more **** in the gas that wasnt gas that wasnt in any of the others. so we determined that shell gas had less gas in it (10%+ corn 10% detergents and 80% gas) where the others had almost no detergents and less ethanol.
Just filled up today and it was $.60 more than 87, $3.95. Only put in 1 gal though. My last time pumping premium. E85 this weekend
