Fuel Discounts - The Flying J Question

boblinfoto wrote:

Itakethe5th2011 wrote:
I agree with you. I have been using Gas buddy last 3 years on trips all over the country. I make it a point to stay away from those big truck stops as their prices are so much higher than brand name stations a block away. I have saved up to 40 cents a gallon. I pull a 34' Fifth wheel and never had problems fueling my pickup. Plan ahead and use Google map to look at station for ease in and out. Save money!

I drove by a Flying J and there were two truck stops across the highway displaying similar prices. Diesel was $2.71 a gallon. Five miles up the road the diesel was $2.39. I agree that Flying J used to be a great place to buy gas, but no more. I suspect that trucking companies get a significant break in the price through contracts with FJ, but consumers like the average Joe, shouldn't have to pay such an exorbitant price for diesel. I know diesel is made the same way at every refinery, and there are no additives added depending on the season like with regular gasoline, so why does the price fluctuate so much?

There's about a 10 cent difference in the gas at my exit to the next exit up the road about 6 miles. My exit costing more. I believe it's due to the fact that we are in a more rural area. The Pilot is the lowest along with another gas station at my exit. An Exxon is 4 cents more. As you mentioned, the other places had similar prices as the Flying J. I believe it's due to location and possibly that they are truck stops.