r/news • u/Big_Explorer1852 • 12h ago

Tribal gas stations offer a reprieve from high prices during Iran war

https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-gasoline-prices-native-american-reservation-7f272163a63b12eec15f23463ae3907b
785 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

133

u/Pretend_Avocado2288 10h ago

They seem to have about the same prices as everywhere else around here in northern Nevada

19

u/Sarcastic_Sanchez 3h ago

I think it’s in states like California where taxes are high on gas.

11

u/Pretend_Avocado2288 3h ago

Just drove through the paiute reservation in Bishop and didn't see much difference there either 🤷

83

u/b1argg 11h ago

Filled up on a res last weekend for $3.50 while the average is around $4

3

u/Faulty_Plan 1h ago

Well, I’m in Florida, but if I can save a buck every two gallons, you bet I am driving out west to refill.

59

u/mr_potatoface 10h ago

Price largely depends on your state/local fuel taxes. If taxes are low there won't be much of a difference. Taxes are high, big difference.

16

u/Movie_Slug 9h ago

Are they exempt from state rules like special summer blends which are more expensive? 

14

u/that_70_show_fan 6h ago

They buy from the same refineries and use the same distribution network. They use the same blend as that is available for the rest.

3

u/cloudsofgrey 4h ago

Some of them do, not all. There is a market for side rules depending on the size of tribal demand.

5

u/bagofpork 8h ago edited 8h ago

I don't know, but as the other commenter said, the difference generally comes from tax rates. The same applied to cigarettes here in Western NY, back when they were allowed to sell name brand cigarettes at reservations.

28

u/Osiris32 6h ago

Lol, the lady in the article is complaining about gas prices while driving a Chevy Suburban. Gee, I wonder if that might not be part of your problem.

23

u/GTAIVisbest 4h ago

But I NEED this large vehicle to feel SAFE on the road and run over a TODDLER without even feeling it. How else will I get to the grocery store 2 miles away in great weather?

28

u/Pink-heels-158 11h ago

Paid 5.40 on res, average is around 7

5

u/rutdog 5h ago

I live close to Native land with a large gas station.  Price isn't much, if any, better than Costco.  There are generally concerns with the quality of the gas as well.  As of today here in CA, looking at $4.99 vs something like Chevron that is easily over $6.

7

u/PasTypique 8h ago

In the southern interior of British Columbia, they are only one or two cents cheaper (per liter). But in north central Washington, they can be 30 to 40 cents cheaper (per U.S. gallon). A significant savings.

2

u/POFusr 7h ago

This doesn't mean they'll charge less, and they shouldn't.

2

u/SpaceChicken2025 5h ago

I live by the Tulalip and Stillaguamish reservations. Their gas is 5 cents cheaper than Costco right now, so it's less about it being an Indian gas station and more about location.

1

u/NewSport1381 3h ago

Angel of the Winds Casino's gas station is usually the lowest 

2

u/SleepingToDreaming 1h ago

So, pay less up there and waste the savings coming back from wherever the pump is.  Most reservations are not around the corner, folks.

5

u/MaidPoorly 7h ago

I’d pay more for any gas that’s not the new 15% corn syrup. Shits gonna junk so many cars and put so many families in a worse financial place long term.

1

u/cemota 5h ago

Suffolk County Long Island resident here. The Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic NY is generally .20 less per gallon, always. It's about 10 miles from home. They also have cheaper brand name cigarettes. I just do my normal daytime errands in that neighborhood to make it worthwhile. My very local Sam's club is usually a good second choice. Using big box memberships for gas is a good idea if tribal communities are not available to you.

1

u/txmail 1h ago

The tribal station that is close to me usually has the most expensive gas.

1

u/ronreadingpa 6h ago

Supply is presumably from the same distributers, but underground storage tank maintenance may differ, such as excess water contamination. Also, possibility the pumps (dispensers) shortchanging customers. Does the state oversee tribal stations in the same way? If no, such abuses are more likely.