Upon becoming a first-time car owner earlier this year, I’ve been exposed to the hefty weight that comes with filling up one’s tank. It’s not a process that I’m ever excited for, often waiting until the very last minute to embark on the journey of getting gas.
Sometimes, filling up my tank feels most similar to selling one of my kidneys on the black market, which is honestly something that I’d rather do.
Nonetheless, it’s no secret that some gas stations tend to have better pricing than others, even if you have to get premium grade. So I decided to make a tier list to make sure you’re saving money where you can.
But First, What’s The Deal With Gas Prices, Anyway?
Basically, gas prices tend to change almost daily because of a large variety of factors.
According to the U.S. Energy Information and Administration, gas prices tend to fluctuate depending on estimated need and consumption. Gas prices can also change relatively quickly if something disrupts oil production and supply, operation or delivery.
Gasoline prices are also generally expected to change in price seasonally, usually costing less in the winter than in the summer due to people driving less. Maybe we should be a little more thankful for lengthy Michigan winters?
I guess that’s up for personal interpretation.
Without further ado, here’s my tier list of gas stations in Albion ranked from cheapest to most expensive, which will hopefully help shave off some of the disdain and resentment that comes from getting gas.
#1. Marathon: 1355 N. Eaton St. ~1.8 Miles From Campus
Starting off with the cheapest gas, Marathon starts off at $3.17 per gallon for regular fuel. This is followed by $3.79 for mid-grade fuel, $4.17 for premium grade and $3.19 for diesel.
According to CBS News, as of Monday, the average price per gallon for regular unleaded gas in Michigan is $2.79, putting Albion’s Marathon at 38 cents more than average.
My car holds about 11.9 gallons of regular, unleaded gas. Therefore, if I were running off of fumes alone, it would cost me about $37.72 to fill all the way up.
Really puts things into perspective.
#2. S&G: 1512 N. Eaton St.~ 2.1 Miles From Campus
Coming up second in cheapest gas is S&G.
Inside, it’s pretty standard as far as gas stations go – a little small, but not unwelcoming. It’s in somewhat of an awkward place right by I-94, but its gas prices are definitely worth checking out.
S&G starts at $3.19 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel. Then, similarly to Marathon, the price increases to $3.79 for mid-grade, $4.19 for premium and $3.39 for diesel.
This puts Albion’s S&G at 40 cents more than the Michigan average.
If I were running on nothing but dust, it would cost me about $37.96 to fill up at S&G.
Oh my.
#3. CITGO: 101 E. Michigan Avenue. ~ 0.8 Miles From Campus
Now, because of this gas station’s location, I tend to choose CITGO first out of the line-up, despite it ranking in the middle pricing-wise. It’s a lot closer to downtown Albion, and I tend to run into it first.
Combined with the convenience of Chester’s Chicken, it’s a good spot to stop and refill. It’s got a large variety of snacks and a slushy machine, so really, what’s not to like?
Gas prices start at $3.29 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, and $3.22 per regular gallon with a loyalty account. Mid-grade fuel goes up to $3.79 per gallon, followed by premium at $4.29 and diesel at $3.39.
Thus, CITGO sits at 50 cents more per gallon above Michigan’s average.
If I were to be pushing my car all the way from Mitchell Towers because I neglected to fill my tank, it would cost me $39.15 to get it back up and running again.
Yikes.
#4. Shell: 100 E. Michigan Avenue.~ 0.8 Miles From Campus
Shell is actually tied for most expensive, but I’m ranking it at number four for distance’s sake as it’s a bit of a shorter drive than Speedway. But if you don’t care about saving those extra two minutes, feel free to rank Speedway above Shell.
Shell is also attached to Johnny’s, which is a fun convenience store and market with loads of variety in their snacks. From baked goods to bagged chips, I’m sold.
Shell starts off at $3.29 per gallon for regular unleaded gas, followed by $3.89 for mid-grade, $4.49 for premium and $3.39 for diesel.
Therefore, Albion’s Shell also costs 50 cents more per gallon than the Michigan average.
Filling up at Shell after driving out the very last drop of gasoline in my vehicle would cost me the pretty penny of $39.15.
#5. Speedway: 1501 N. Eaton St.~ 2.0 Miles From Campus
Speedway is one of the most expensive gas stations near Albion College’s campus. While easily recognizable to me by name and taquitos, its price for fuel really doesn’t stick out.
Starting off at $3.29 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, followed by $3.89 for mid-grade, $4.49 for premium and $3.39 for diesel.
Much like Shell and CITGO, this puts Albion’s Speedway at a whopping 50 cents more per gallon when compared to the Michigan average.
Speedway would also bleed my wallet dry if I bled the gas in my car dry, and I would spend $39.15 filling it back up.
I swear I’m filling my tank up on a regular basis.
So, Where Should You Buy Gas?
If you’re following this ranking, Marathon ranks cheapest, which as a college student running on limited funds, means that it reigns as my first choice. It’s not too far distance-wise either, which is a definite plus.
But my superstar tier list is not a prophecy that says Marathon will always be the cheapest gas station in Albion or that Speedway will always be the most expensive, so perhaps take these rankings with a grain of salt.
Gas prices are almost always changing, so keep an eye out for price increases or decreases to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
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