a front for...?

[cellio]

There are two gas stations in Squirrel Hill. Until the last few months their prices usually differed by a few cents (with the BP consistently lower) -- but it was usually a small-enough difference that it might not be worth going out of your way. More recently the difference has climbed to 10 cents or more, which I assume is enough to make most consumers change their plans if they're aware of the difference (which, if you live there, you probably are).

The difference has been climbing, and this morning it was 23 cents. It makes me wonder if the one station is really in the business of selling gas.

Comments

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

The majority of gas stations are actually convenience stores which sell gas to draw people in. When I worked at the gas station at the corner, and did the end-of-shift receipts, it became clear that they made most of their money on cigarettes, second-most on lottery, third on snacks, and gas fourth. In terms of actual MONEY spent, people spent the most money on gas, but, because it's such a low-margin thing to sell, that's not where they made profit.