Drivers pounced on the chance to get gas at a steep discount on the Fourth of July, waiting in long lines at Sheetz convenience stores to fill up at just $1.776 per gallon.
The Altoona-based convenience store announced Monday it would sell gasoline at that price to commemorate the year when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
While pylon signs displayed $1.779, pumps were set to transact at $1.776. The tenths on the pylons can’t be changed.
Based on figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, drivers haven’t seen an every day gas price that low in about 20 years. The average rose from $1.64 in 2003 to $1.92 in 2004.
The promotional price was about 51% less than Pennsylvania’s statewide average for regular unleaded, which AAA had at about $3.64 on Tuesday. For 15 gallons, the price at Sheetz on Tuesday was $26.64, almost $28 less than the $54.59 it would cost at the statewide average.
The price went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday at all of Sheetz’s more than 675 stores in six states. A spokesman said the price was going to be offered that day while supplies lasted.
Lengthy lines were seen at Sheetz locations in New Kensington, Lower Burrell and Harrison. Store employees at the New Kensington store in the city’s Parnassus area were trying to control access to the pumps to ensure everyone in line got their fair turn.
The one-day special was enough to fuel a big drop in average gas prices Tuesday, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com.
“I mean, Sheetz lowering prices to $1.776 (a gallon) did help our July 4 prediction for a national average of $3.49/gal come true, so there’s that,” De Haan said on Twitter. “We’re now at $3.469 per (gallon)!”
