Sheetz offers $3.99 gas prices through holiday weekend
Drivers packed Sheetz gas stations Tuesday after the chain sharply reduced gas prices Monday.
Sheetz lowered prices to $3.99 a gallon for unleaded 88, and $3.49 a gallon for E85, according to the company, which said the prices will remain "through the July 4th holiday travel season."
The price is significantly lower than the state and Franklin County average of $4.85 a gallon, according to AAA on Tuesday. Other than Sheetz, the lowest gas price in the Columbus area is $4.49 a gallon, according to Gas Buddy.
While some car makers advise against using anything other than unleaded 87 gasoline, Sheetz says its unleaded 88 gas, which includes up to 15% ethanol, is approved for use in vehicles with model years 2001 or later, in addition to light-duty trucks, SUVs and flex fuel vehicles.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, recommends that drivers check their owners manuals before filling up with the gasoline.
Most cars will be just fine with up to 15 percent ethanol included in the fuel, he said.
Sheetz' E85 fuel contains at least 51% ethanol and is specifically designed for flexible fuel vehicles.
"E85 is clearly designated as a different fuel type and should not be used in standard vehicles," Sheetz cautioned.
Sheetz unleaded 87 gasoline was priced in line with competitors on Tuesday.
Where is Sheetz in Columbus?
Sheetz entered the Columbus-area market in April 2021, with a store in Delaware, the first of 50 stores the Altoona, Pennsylvania chain said it plans in the area. So far, about 15 stores have opened in and around Columbus.
What are customers saying?
Sheetz in the Columbus area were seeing plenty of business Tuesday afternoon, with lines of cars forming at some stations.
James Garten said he came to the Grandview Avenue Sheetz because it was cheaper than other gas stations, but gas prices are still too expensive overall, he said.
He said filling up his truck has been costing him around $160, far more than he's used to. Because of this, Garten said he hasn't been able to fill up all the way lately.
Robin Glowa also said gas prices have kept her from filing up but she made an exception at the Grandview Avenue Sheets on Tuesday.
"I was here the other day and it was low, so I just came back here hoping that it would be $3.99," Glowa said.
Becky Durst, a kitchen manager at the Sheetz on West Broad Street, said she has noticed more customers coming in because of the lower prices.
"We're always busy no matter what because people have to get gas no matter what," Durst said. "But we've definitely seen an uptick in sales."
Teresa Boeckel with the York Daily Record contributed to this report.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Sheetz lowers gas prices to $3.99 a gallon before July 4th
