A quick surview of the prices at lunchtime today persuaded me to top off again, despite having done so Monday. Most stations had gone to $2.99/gal. for regular unleaded. I saw a couple at $2.89 and two at $2.79. There was one station left at $2.55 ? the Raceway. For the first time, I saw lines there. I pulled in, waited my turn, and was informed by the guy whose place I was taking, “They’re out of gas!” I looked to see what he had pumped: a whole 44 cents’ worth.
It occurred to me that perhaps the plus or premium grades might still be available. I was out of luck for $2.55, but $2.65 and $2.75 were still better than $2.79. That hope was dashed, so I left the Raceway and its lines and topped off at the nearest $2.79 location. Lines were forming there as I left, and I had had a short wait myself.
I passed the Raceway on my way back in, and there was a full-fledged traffic jam in the making as dozens of cars waiting (for nothing) had begun to extend onto the highway. I remarked to Roy back at the office that if they don’t change their signs, there’s going to be a wreck.
By this evening, all stations were at $2.99 or higher. Exxon was, if I recall correctly, at $3.13. Raceway had apparently happened upon the same idea for wreck preventing as I, because the price there was now listed at $3.89 ? which I think (I’m not sure) reflected the fact that they had no gas. Nevertheless, to my surprise, I saw four cars at the Raceway pumps (couldn’t tell if they were having success).
By tonight, I was able to guess correctly which stations in southern Wake County were below $3 by the lines. Moderate lines meant $2.99. Insane, used-car-lot-esque lines denoted the last remaining holdout at $2.79. And already I’m beginning to long for the days of price wars and pricing-by-the-limb.
