Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Retired Educator" data-source="post: 145520" data-attributes="member: 3373">It would seem that with a refinery in Mandan that gas in the Bismarck area should be the cheapest. What I don't know and looking for an answer from someone who has the answer. Does the refinery supply directly to the stations in the area or does their supply go into a pipeline and then shipped to a distributor who sells it to stations? If the refinery supplies locally then it would seem the gas should be cheaper, if the answer is the latter than that would help explain the higher cost. I don't get to Billings often but when I do I have noticed the same practice. Gas in not generally cheaper in Billings than the surrounding towns even with 2 refineries in the immediate area.Then again, knowing a couple of station owners personally, the profit on gas is not enough to pay the bills in most cases. Most successful stations make their profit off of convenience store items and sell gas as a reason for people to stop and spend money in the convenience store area. Those of you who remember years ago, stopping at the gas station was to buy gas and once in awhile, if you were lucky, you could talk your parents into buying you an 8 oz bottle of pop. Now it's fill with gas, buy a 44 oz soda, maybe a pizza or fried chicken, and throw in something sweet to top it off before getting back on the road. Just another reason we have to buy bigger pants every year.</blockquote>