Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

safeinOhio

(34,068 posts)
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 08:38 AM Feb 2020

Oil companies out smarted me today.

In my area the gas stations have always jumped up pump prices on Tuesday or Thursday. Usually 40 to 50 cents/gallon. So, this week they did it on Wednesday 25 cents. Every station in every town in my county. Please google "speedway effect". Make it a point to never buy anything in a gas station when they jack up the price. I once worked in a Speedway station, so trust me, that is where they make their money.
Capitalism is not based on competition, it is based on what the market will bear.
I had planned on filling up this morning.

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Oil companies out smarted me today. (Original Post) safeinOhio Feb 2020 OP
Lucky you. mercuryblues Feb 2020 #1
I worked for an accountant cyclonefence Feb 2020 #2
West Jefferson (Rt 40) Certified had $1.25 gasoline today 4/13! Backseat Driver Apr 2020 #3
Thanks for the heads up. Kacy Sep 2020 #4

mercuryblues

(15,099 posts)
1. Lucky you.
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 08:55 AM
Feb 2020

99% of my local gas stations are owned by the same family. They also own the oil company that supplies them. As a result they are usually 20 cents higher than the one 10 miles further away.

I LMAO when my youngest was learning about monopolies. The teacher asked the students for examples. He said the xyz gas stations in town. The teacher did not know they were all owned by the same family, and tried to discount it. Luckily I had just had this convo w him about why our gas stations are more expensive and how they block all competitors from getting permits to build a new station. Then they build a new station in the spot. Yeah my kid got an A+ that day.

cyclonefence

(4,873 posts)
2. I worked for an accountant
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 09:14 AM
Feb 2020

whose clientele were mostly gas station owners. One of my jobs was to spread the word among the owners--who sold all different brands--when one of them raised the price of gas, so they all could join in.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Frugal and Energy Efficient Living»Oil companies out smarted...