Gas stations are like any other business- the more competition the better the prices.  Near Mr. Thrifty’s neighborhood there is a Shell station.  The good news for the Shell station is that the closest gas station to it is over a mile or so a way.  The bad news for all of us that live in the neighborhood is that their prices on their gas are CONSISTANTLY $.15-$.20 higher than the stations located just a few miles away.

Check it out for yourself.  Check out the gas stations that don’t have competitors near by and those who have 2-3 within a block of them.  You will find the lower prices on the stations that have other stations near by.

How to put this into practice: in your hometown, get in the habit of driving a little further to the corner where there is competition.  When you are on a road trip and you need to fill up, exit in the town where you can see at least two gas stations from the highway.  Savings will follow!

Total Savings: 5-10% off of your gas bill