Sticker Shock: Gas Station Near DFW Airport Charges Over $5 a Gallon
Traveling can be stressful enough without the added pressure of avoiding exorbitant gas prices near the airport. Unfortunately, if you’re refueling your rental car near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), you might encounter just that. A gas station near the airport is charging upwards of $5 a gallon, and it’s causing quite a stir among unsuspecting travelers.
It’s no secret that gas stations located near airports tend to charge above-market prices. The principle of supply and demand is at play here, with lots of people needing to refuel their rental cars before returning them. Business travelers, often on their company’s dime, might not pay much attention to the price per gallon, making them an easy target for higher charges.
The mantra “location, location, location” reigns supreme. Travelers are often in a hurry and prioritize convenience over cost, opting to fill up close to the airport even if it means paying more; after all, missing your flight could be significantly more expensive than overpaying a bit for fuel. Some gas stations take advantage of this urgency to an extreme, and that’s where the problem arises.
If you need a notorious example, look no further than Suncoast Energys near Orlando International Airport (MCO). This gas station has become infamous for charging unsuspecting travelers upwards of $5.50 a gallon, earning it a one-star rating on Yelp. Such predatory pricing exploits travelers who might not have the time or knowledge to seek out more reasonably priced gas stations.
The Valley View Shell: A Case of Overcharging at DFW
Enter the Valley View Shell at 4900 W Airport Fwy (SH-183) in Irving, TX. Situated between the southern entrance to DFW Airport and the President George Bush Turnpike, this gas station has recently come under scrutiny. According to recent Google reviews and social media posts, the station is charging upwards of $5 (and in some cases closer to $5.50) for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel.
Some reviews suggest that the station management is turning off their electronic signage, so you won’t know the price until you get to the pump. It’s a tactic that preys on hurried travelers who may simply pay the inflated price out of necessity.
Comparing Prices in Irving
To put this into perspective, at the time of writing, many stations in Irving are selling gas just below $3.00 a gallon, with the lowest prices ranging between $2.80-$2.90. Remarkably, the “DFW Mart” Shell station on airport property by the Rental Car Center was charging $3.29 a gallon, which while higher than prevailing prices in the local area, is still almost $2.00 per gallon cheaper than this station just outside the airport perimeter.
While Shell stations are generally known for being slightly more expensive than their competitors, the prices at Valley View Shell are beyond the pale. Although this station is likely an independently-owned franchise, it’s surprising that Shell would allow its brand to be associated with such predatory pricing practices.
Tips for Avoiding High Gas Prices Near Airports
As always, be vigilant when refueling your rental car. If possible, use an app like GasBuddy to plan your refueling stop at a gas station away from the airport to avoid inflated prices. The complimentary Walmart+ subscription provided with certain Amex cards can help save money (and avoid having your card skimmed by using Walmart as an intermediary). If you can find a Costco near the airport you’re departing from, even better.