Should Gas Station Owners Be Allowed to Charge Different Prices for Cash and Credit?

While customers are already feeling their wallets shrink at the pump, the disparity between the prices owners charge to those paying with credit and cash is bringing customer dissatisfaction to a new level.

The dual-pricing model, which has become popular on stations throughout Long Island and beyond in the past few years, offers a discount to those who pay in cash. The system is set up to help owners alleviate some of the credit card fees they're charged.

Though the practice is legal, there seems to be a lack of industry standards. While some stations may charge .5 more to pay with a credit card, others charge as much as .50 more.

Several Patch readers have voiced their concerns about the cash discount system, saying that it is unfair. Some question whether station owners are simply using it as a means to line their pockets.

A few select stations, like Hess, charge the same price regardless of your payment method.

Should gas stations be allowed to charge different prices for cash and credit payments? Should the practice be regulated?

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