The Cheap Gas in Lake Ridge is Not as Cheap as You Think: A Rant

There are few things I hate more than late night gas runs. (One of those few things being waking up in the morning and having to dash somewhere and then remembering that I don't have enough gas in the car.)

So last night, I finally logged off my computer for the night and drove five miles to the nearest, cheapest gas station. There are several gas stations within a mile of my house, but I figured a five mile drive would be worth it for what I thought was the cheapest gas in the area.

On Old Bridge Road, Coastal and Fast Fuels both had signs out stating that their gas was $3.58 a gallon, a full four cents cheaper than the next cheapest option. I thought I would drive by Coastal, and, if it was full, continue on to Fast Fuels.

Instead, I drove by Coastal and noticed that there was caution tape everywhere. Specifically, caution tape surrounding every single gas pump, ensuring that no one could pump gas.

Hey, I thought to myself, bizarre events that shut down all the gas pumps at a station do happen.

So I wasn't too bothered until I noticed that the sign advertising the low gas prices was still lit and highly visible. Drivers drove into the station, and then, noticing the caution tape, slowly drove back out.

It seems just a little unfair to continue to advertise your amazingly cheap gas when no one can pump any gas at your station.

Disappointed, I headed on over to Fast Fuels. To my relief, the station was open and the sign was still advertising gas at $3.58 a gallon.

This was worth the drive, I thought to myself as I pulled in next to a pump. I paid for my gas and started pumping. Then I noticed a small, index-card-sized sign above the pump. In hand-written lettering, it said, "Cash 5 cents cheaper than credit card prices." Looking around, I saw those same small white rectangles above every pump.

Darnit, I thought. If only I had brought cash, I could have gotten gas at $3.53 a gallon. What a steal!

But then I noticed that the credit card price was $3.63 per gallon. But is that the price listed on the big sign by the road? No. That's the price in small print right below the rapidly ascending figures telling you how much you're spending on how much gas.

I'm sorry, is it just me, or does a hand-written index-sized card informing you that you're about to be ripped off really not seem like enough notice?

So there you have it. Remember to take your cash to Fast Fuels, or you could do like I'm going to do, and take your business somewhere else.

My apologies to Coastal and Fast Fuels if there are actual, legitimate reasons for these seemingly shady practices. If you are a representative of either station, feel free to contact me to share your perspective on the situation.