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Computer glitch, competition leads to gas sold for pennies

Posted at 7:06 AM, Feb 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-16 07:13:03-05

TOLEDO, Ohio — Drivers in Toledo were treated to gas prices not seen in the U.S. in decades. Early Sunday morning, a Pilot gas station advertised gas prices at an incredible 49 cents a gallon.

Almost two hours later, prices fell even more — to 19 cents a gallon.

Pilot gas prices before fix

If it seemed to good to be true, it kind of was: a computer glitch caused the prices to fall to those levels. The gas was actually being sold at those prices, though.

“I got 22 cents in and I got 13 gallons so far,” said Taylor Kline, a driver and satisfied customer. “I can’t complain.”

Drivers were not the only ones who took notice of the incredibly low gas prices. The Circle K across the street did as well — and responded.

“I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s wonderful,” said Kline.

The gas station also dropped its prices — to 17 cents a gallon. They, however, did it on purpose. A clerk said they adjusted their prices to compete.

Circle k gas prices

One driver even had a receipt showing gas sold at a penny a gallon.

A penny a gallon

Like all good things in life, though, the nearly-free ride came to an end. Three hours later, gas prices were posted at $1.51 a gallon again.

Pilot gas prices after fix