Why Is Gas Cheaper In Northport, Alabama?

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I'm sitting here steaming as I wait in traffic to cross the bridge into Northport, just to buy cheaper gas. Gasoline is at least 10 cents cheaper a gallon in Northport compared to Tuscaloosa. Sometimes gas is  20 cents cheaper a gallon in Northport.  If you drive a truck or SUV that holds 25 gallons, like mine does, it adds up quickly.  That’s a case of beer a week! That’s a chicken wing dinner at Baumhower’s! That’s Chinese delivery from Mr. Chen’s!

Today, near my home in Tuscaloosa, gas was $2.89 a gallon. Over the bridge in Northport gas was $2.71 a gallon. This makes absolutely no sense.  Why the consistent gas price discrepancy? I understand a few cents here and there, but this is consistently more than a few cents. Gas is definitely cheaper in Northport.

Does Tuscaloosa not feel the need to be competitive with Northport when it comes to the price of gasoline? Tripp Powell with Powell Petroleum said “the reason is competition. No other reason. Cost is no different. Mainly Walmart Neighborhood Market and Murphy at Walmart Super Center use gas as a foot traffic driver and not a profit generator”.

Also, Is there a municipal gas tax that is less in Northport than Tuscaloosa? Enquiring minds want to know.

Find the absolute cheapest gas in the Tuscaloosa/Northport area at www.gasbuddy.com