Sheetz and Giggles
So The Pantry, which owns Kangaroo convenience marts in North Carolina, is accusing Sheetz and Kroger of selling gasoline at below wholesale cost, a no-no under state law. Sounds like sour grapes to me, but I don't know if I buy Sheetz's denial.
This chain sells absurdly cheap gasoline. They rely on customers ordering food from their indoor, fast food-style restaurants. They're great at what they do. But it doesn't mean it's always, um, fair? I won't say illegal because, heck, I don't know all the details.
But we love our SUVs. And if dropping your price 10 cents lower per gallon than the guy across the street brings in more customers, I'm sure cheeseburger sales more than covered the profit loss from the pumps. This lawsuit should prove interesting. Any thoughts out there?
Comments (5)
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I don't see Sheetz selling "absurdly" cheap gas. The one on Wendover is usually priced the same as the two stations (a Shell and I can't remember the other one) across the street. All three may be selling gas for slightly below what other stations in Greensboro are, but the three companies would have to be colluding to sell gas below wholesale price if The Pantry's accusations are correct. Seems unlikely.
Posted on May 4, 2005 2:11 PM
I feel really sorry for the big oil companies.....
Posted on May 4, 2005 2:54 PM
Fair dinkum Eric?? Kangaroo convenience marts in NC. - unbelievable!!! And now the owners of which are complainin� about somebody selling cheap fuel to gas guzzler owners. Seems to me that we will eventually run out of the stuff completely then we�ll all be hopping around on Kangaroo�s. Well us lot in Oz will be, you lot in NC will have to find something else may be 'orses.
Posted on May 8, 2005 6:38 AM
Good to hear from you, Allen. Gas prices any better in your neck of the world?
Posted on May 9, 2005 9:11 AM
I grew up in the Altoona, PA area where Sheetz stores originated. All of the convenience stores and gas stations in that area don't cry fowl when Sheetz posts their gas prices. Sheetz has, I think, around 322 stores so I don't think they're losing any money (or sleep) by offering gas at a few cents less than their competition. In addition, Kangaroo can't compete with Sheetz on any level. Their stores are dirty and their food is terrible. Even their coffee is lousy.
Posted on September 3, 2006 6:42 PM