HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Why is a Henrico Shell gas station in Glen Allen charging so much for gas, when it's cheaper everywhere else? At $2.47 a gallon, gas at this local station is higher than the national average per gallon.
When you scroll through local gas prices in the Glen Allen area, you'll find most stations sell a gallon of gas for under $2. This particular gas station on the corner Route One and JEB Stuart Parkway, is currently charging as much as 58 cents more than surrounding stations.
When customer Yaounde Hill pulled up to the gas station she said she was amazed and confused.
"I'm walking into this store and I'm like there's no other gas station around here," said Hill. "I don't understand! Why do I have to pay $2.50 for gas? It doesn't make sense!"
The manager of the gas station did not want to speak on camera, but said he had to charge more as an independent owner to keep the business afloat. Because of this, he said most of his customers are out-of-towners, or just in desperate need of gas and unable to look for something cheaper.
"This is the nearest gas station in this area. That's the reason why," said Hill. "You have to drive almost a mile to get to another gas station. So that was the only reason. It was my only choice."
The owner said his station would lose money and he'd lose his business if he dropped prices.
Hill said she understands being an independent business owner, but said the owner should have some sympathy for his customers.
"$2.47 that's a big jump! I mean how much are you trying to save for you and your business? Versus giving us at least a break," she asked.
To keep up with the certain contractual obligations the local operator said he would have to make some pump upgrades, which will read the new chip cards for customers. That will also keep prices higher than the competition. If you need CBS 6 Problems Solvers to help you give us a call or email us at problemsolvers@wtvr.com.
