Jersey Gas Stations Charge More Because You Charge More
N.J. gas stations offer cheaper prices for customers who pay in cash
When Frank Gutowski drove by an ExxonMobil gas station in Rockaway recently, he did a double take. On a sky-blue sign high above the ground were two numbers: $2.49 and $2.93.
What caught Gutowski’s attention was both were for a gallon of regular unleaded. Just above the cheaper price was the word "Cash" written in large yellow letters. Next to the more expensive number, in much smaller letters, was the word "Credit." For an extra 45 cents a gallon, you could buy the exact same gas with your Visa or MasterCard.
With New Jersey gas prices averaging $2.53 a gallon, the Rockaway Exxon was offering a better-than-average deal if customers paid in cash. But for pulling out plastic, they would have to pay 18 percent more. That’s another $5 to $12 to fill the tank, depending on the size of the car.
Gasoline and industry experts say the high price of gas in recent years has resulted in more and more people using plastic to fill their tanks, and because station owners must pay credit card processing fees of 2 percent or 3 percent, more of those owners are passing on the extra expense to consumers. As long as stations clearly note their prices, there is no state or federal regulation against two-tiered pricing. The problem for car owners is not only the difference in money, but in these recessionary times, having the extra cash on hand.
"I think it’s here to stay unless it’s outlawed," said David Weinstein, a spokesman for the American Automobile Association clubs of New Jersey.
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