Why don't the gas stations ever put gas on sale?

Question

The price of everything else is regulated too, and they still manage to put groceries, appliances, etc. on sale. Why not gas?

Say, 20% off on 10 gallons or more or something like that?

Just curious....

Answer 1

LoL....It does not get stale,wear out, or have an off season.

Answer 2

In Canada we have this game where we drive just a couple of more miles to save half a cent per litre on gasoline.  There is no brand loyalty here like there is in the US.  That's probably why you won't see sales in the U.S.  If you're a Chevron person you'll go to that station even  if the Shell station across the street is 5 cents cheaper per gallon.  You'll probably won't see price wars until the price reaches 6 dollars a gallon. It doesn't make sense - gas is gas. It's just like the Ford and Chevy truck debate and neither will change to the other no matter what the cost.  

Answer 3

I can think to two reasons

Number one is that gas stations are making razor thin margins on gas no matter what we’re paying. I’m talking a few cents on the gallon. Have you noticed gas stations around your city going under in the last couple of years? This is the reason. Many station owners are essentially franchisees. They aren’t making the huge profits the refining companies are. In fact the reason you don’t see gas prices dropping as rapidly as they rise (like they rise $0.20 overnight, but it takes weeks to fall that much)  is that station owners are trying to make up some of their losses when they suddenly have increased costs from their suppliers.

The second reason is that sales are meant to get you into a retailer to  buy things you need, and since you’re saving money, to get you to spend your savings on other items or to get you to buy something you otherwise might not   Gas stations don’t have to give you an incentive to buy gas. They’ll put items inside the store on sale, but never gas because you likely need it n matter what.  

Answer 4

The reason for the lack of sales is because there is so little overhead for gas stations.  Most gas stations make less than $0.10/gallon.  Most of their profit is made from in-store sales of soft drinks and snacks.  There are places where you can get discounts on gas.  Sam's Club offers $0.05/gallon discounts for members.  Kroger offers $0.03 for card holders.  You can also get $0.10/gallon off at Kroger for every $100 you spend in groceries.  This works out great for my family because their prices are always competitive with other gas stations and we already do our grocery shopping their.  Hope that helps.

Answer 5

great question!!  Probably because they don't have too!

Answer 6

Hey, good question!

I guess cuz gas is like, the only natural thing we have on earth.

'ave a sta'  (have a star)

Answer 7

My son wants me to work in a more environmentally conscience way..

save a whale or something

What about when they find out that cars can run on.....WHALE !!!!!!!!!

Blubber sale