How far are you willing to drive for cheaper gas?
Wal-Mart's core shoppers are running out of money much faster than a year ago due to rising gasoline prices, and the retail giant is worried.
So much so that world's biggest retailer is cutting gas prices by 10 cents a gallon for three months to help consumers worried about their spending amid a sputtering economy and busy summer travel season.
Customers visiting participating gas stations in 18 states through the end of September will receive a discount on all fuel, gas and diesel purchases when they use Wal-Mart branded cards.
All of which means, assuming you’re going to be down south anyway, you can save a bit on that fill up. Closer to home though, the discounts aren’t so great — often only a few cents.
Although gas prices are expensive everywhere, some stations do sell it for a bit less than others. But does it really pay to shop around a bit?
In a big city, with a variety of prices available at stations within a few miles and even blocks of each other, maybe. But it takes time.
Sites like GasBuddy.com and Ontariogasprices.com (or their smartphone apps) can help you avoid driving around checking out signs. Just punch in your postal code, and up comes the cheapest gas stations in your area.
And then there's always those Canadian Tire 6X coupons, of course. Or the occasional supermarket promotion.
Which begs the question: How far out of your way are you willing to drive for cheaper gas? Five kilometres? 10? More? And how much of a difference in price does it take to pique your interest?
Obviously, at some point the price of driving — or even convenience — outweighs the savings. Here’s a quick calculator (in gallons, however) that can help you figure things out.
How far are you willing to drive for cheaper gas? Do you just drive up to the pump? Or do points or loyalty take you to your local gas station?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
* Follow Gordon on Twitter here.
Posted by: Curious | Jul 6, 2021 2:35:22 PM
1 mile
Posted by: Jack | Jul 6, 2021 6:36:48 PM
I completely ignore the price of gasoline when I purchase it. I have to buy it no matter what, so I don't care. I would never drive out of my way to look for cheaper gasoline. Gasoline is one of the lowest expenses I have. I have more important things to concern myself about, so the price of gas is by far my lowest priority.
Posted by: wtf | Jul 12, 2021 1:45:08 AM
1 gallon = ~3.8 liters.
"a few cents" x 3.8 = probably around 10 cents a gallon.
Posted by: Robot Man | Jul 18, 2021 8:46:43 PM
Check the cost of a 1 litre bottle of coke lately and which is cheaper to get to market ?? Think about it.