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Advertising practice irritates I-80 travelers

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By NANCY HICKS / Lincoln Journal Star

Sunday, Aug 19, 2007 - 12:07:55 am CDT

Interstate bandits. That’s what Ron Theby calls gas stations along Interstate 80 that post a low price on signs, then offer it on only two of their two dozen pumps.

Conoco stations at North Platte, Ogallala and Lexington and the BP station at North Platte advertise the low prices, then offer gas at 25 to 50 cents a gallon higher on most of their pumps.

Theby, a St. Louis businessman, wrote a letter published in the North Platte Telegraph and plans to send the message to travel publications and Internet blog sites, as well.

Margaret Williams of Grand Island was so irritated she sent out an e-mail consumer alert earlier this summer. Within a week, she said, it had gone coast to coast.

Williams was on her way to a family reunion in Colorado when she saw a sign for $3.09 a gallon for gas and pulled off I-80 at the North Platte exit. When she got to the station, she found the price of gas at all the pumps, except 1 and 2, was $3.59.

She tried the nearby BP station. Same situation.

Down the road a few blocks, a sign at the Shell station said: “All pumps the same price: $3.14.”

That’s where Williams bought her gas.

Her e-mail suggests boycotting stations that sell at a price higher than advertised, but she worries that people will blame the towns and the gas brand.

“We are honest, hardworking people here in Nebraska, and this is the reputation we are getting.”

Under state law, the signs — which show in smaller print that the lower-priced gas is available only at certain pumps — are not illegal as long as gas is available at the lower price at even one pump, according to Steve Malone, administrator of the state Weights and Measures Division.

Some people who carefully check prices move to a different pump or another station. Some put in a few gallons before discovering the price difference.

But many people fill up, not realizing they’re paying more than they expected, he said.

“I’ve gotten calls from people who say they will never stop at North Platte again,” Malone said. “They are upset. And I can’t say I blame them.”

People who stop for gas often also get something to eat, or spend the night, he said.

“So a couple of guys taking advantage of the situation affects the whole town,” Malone said.

Mark Wilkinson, who owns the Conoco stations that have adopted the advertising practice, declined to comment.

Roy Wagner, one of the owners of the BP station in North Platte, said he started advertising a low price that’s available at only a few pumps to be competitive.

“I personally don’t like doing it,” he said in a telephone interview. “They (the Conoco station) were pulling more people in to their station. It got to the point that in order to get any business we had to match what they were doing.”

That doesn’t fly with Theby, who ate at the Flying J in North Platte with his family, then pulled into the BP gas station, where a sign advertised “unleaded: $3.149.”

Theby didn’t notice the fine print, and the gasoline he pumped into his Ford Club Wagon — more than $100 worth — cost $3.499 a gallon.

He was so angry, he said, he didn’t spend the night in North Platte as planned but drove straight home.

And then he wrote some letters.

Theby, president of an executive job search company, said he wrote to the Nebraska attorney general’s office but got no response. He also contacted the local police and chamber of commerce and said he’ll be sending a letter to the Nebraska Better Business Bureau and AAA. He plans to write to travel publications and Internet blog sites, too.

Theby does a fair amount of car travel, he said, and has never run into the practice before.

“It’s unfortunate that the greed of a few deceitful business owners can affect the reputation and business of many ethical merchants in North Platte,” he wrote in his letter to the editor.

It’s not just travelers upset by this practice. Leaders of the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce wish the two owners would stop the deceptive advertising.

“That has been the No. 1 complaint this summer,” said chamber president David Bernard-Stevens, noting that the businesses are doing nothing illegal.

“As a chamber we are caught between a rock and a hard place.

“We also know (that) when people get upset at something in a community, in the long run that reduces the number of people who would stay or buy food or stop at specialty stores.”

A Conoco spokesman said the company would like the practice to stop, too, but Wilkinson is an independent operator.

“We do not condone this type of business. We are an ethical company,”said Janet Growthe, coordinator of communications in the Conoco-Phillips Co. corporate office in Texas.

“But he is an independent dealer. So we are working with our brand marketer (who buys the product from Conoco and sells to independent dealers) to resolve these customer issues.”

Reach Nancy Hicks at 473-7250 or nhicks@journalstar.com.


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B wrote on August 19, 2007 4:21 am:
" What happened to ethics in business practices? Surely there has to be something that can be done about this... The local chamber of commerce should be putting the pressure on the stations to stop, not just 'wish' they would quit their deceptive advertising. "

 Marvin wrote on August 19, 2007 4:58 am:
" The businesses are adopting the same deceitful tactics used by the politicians. Politicians advertising they’re not raising your taxes, but they are spending more and the tax bills are higher. The alert consumer can check the price on the pump and drive on; Nebraska’s are pulling up roots and moving on. Monkey sees monkey do. "

 Tom wrote on August 19, 2007 6:20 am:
" What kind of idiotic law is this? Just when I thought I had hear it all. I hope every gas staion involved in this goes under and stays under "

 Larry wrote on August 19, 2007 8:05 am:
" This is a shame. We've got simalar things going on right here in the Lincoln. For many years the greedy owners of the BP near the Lincoln Airport have been charging a 20 cents more than the rest of the city. On all their pumps!!! Where's John Bruning when he's needed? I thought he was going to take care of price gouging!?! "

 Typical stupid acts wrote on August 19, 2007 8:21 am:
" of typical greedy America "

 traveler wrote on August 19, 2007 8:25 am:
" I too, have run into this problem when traveling. I was so desperate for fuel that I actually put 15 dollars into my car to get to Kearney. Next time I'll give the shell station my business, if I should need stop in North Platte. Doesn't this sound like the classic bait-and-switch scheme? Even business owners in remote towns along Hiway 2 can sell gas at a cheaper price. This is pure greed, not competition. "

 md wrote on August 19, 2007 8:27 am:
" I thought the Attorney General said there was no price gouging in our state. What do you call this? Maybe we need an independant investigator to look into this matter including why our gas tax is so high compared to the rest of the country. "

 Observer wrote on August 19, 2007 9:11 am:
" I was stopped in a rural speed trap (61 in 50 mph zone) in central Missouri seven years ago at 8:30 in the morning, no other traffic other than the state trooper and excellent driving conditions. $100.00 fine. Ain't been back to Missouri since. No ballgames, no shopping, no Table Rock resorts, no food, no motels, no nothin'. Hope they enjoyed my money cause it's the last they'll get in my lifetime. Lexington, Ogallalla, North Platee, Conoco and BP better wake up cuz some of don't ever forget getting treated badly. "

 WHERE'S BRUNING? wrote on August 19, 2007 9:18 am:
" At least one of the people mentioned in your article has written to the Attorney General and received no response. Where is our champion, our savior, the guy who stands up for the working man? Oh, maybe he's too busy telling Chuck Hagel that he knows more than Hagel about military policy, and doesn't have time to do his actual job. "

 whatever wrote on August 19, 2007 9:20 am:
" This practice is pretty typical of the attitude business in this state is adopting. It also in some measure illustrates the attitude that drives the young people out of this state. "

 Alan wrote on August 19, 2007 9:22 am:
" Ha ha if this guy didn't do his homework when he pulled up to the pump and pumped expensive gas into his tank. It's his own fault! He needs to take responsibility for his actions. What if the price of gas was that low but he put in the premium by mistake? Whose fault would it have been then? It's the same thing!!!! When you pull up to the pump it says the price right next to the gas you are selecting. If you can't wait for the cheap gas at pump #1 & #2 then it's your problem. Gas stations offer 3 sometimes 4 different gasoline’s at different prices if they choose to put real cheap gas at pumps 1 & 2 and the expensive stuff at all the other pumps what is the big deal? Wait for the pump to come open and pump the gas at $3.09 a gallon as advertised and if you don't want to wait pay for the expensive stuff and move on. Who cares!!! It isn’t like they advertised the price and said oh we are sorry we are not offering gas any where at our station for that price. We just advertised that to get you to pull in here and then jacked the price up. If the gas is offered at that price I don’t see the problem. This happens every day at Wal-Mart Target and Best buy. You need to read the fine print there is usually a hoop to jump through to get that too good to be true price. "

 Roger wrote on August 19, 2007 9:42 am:
" It's not just N. Platte either, I found this at another of the "bottom-feeder" towns just West of N. Platte. I had filled about 5-7 gal. before I noticed the price at the pump was about 40 cents more than advertised. Someone drove by and yelled "hey, there's cheaper gas down the road!", that's when I noticed. I stopped and asked the clerk inside, and of course, she acted like she didn't speak English (go figure)! I was so PO'd and filled-up at the next stop, which was a little cheaper. Just supports my view that the I-80 towns West of Kearney are nothing but parasitic bottom-feeder communities, and I'll do my best at avoiding to stop there again until I get to Kimball or so. "

 Law wrote on August 19, 2007 9:51 am:
" The state law needs to be changed, this is wrong, wrong, wrong. "

 Bill wrote on August 19, 2007 10:54 am:
" This is legal under state law? The law needs to be changed! It is condoning false advertising. Can a supermarket advertise a can of beans for 5 cents and then have only one can in the store marked at that price with the rest marked at $1.00? Any gas station doing this should be boycotted. Any gas station franchising allowing this - even from their independent dealers - should be boycotted. "

 welcome to nebraka wrote on August 19, 2007 11:24 am:
" welcome to nebraska, another state had the same problem and that states attetny general put a stop to it. if this is legal then any one who wanted to do bait and switch commerce has free reign nebraska, were are our st leaders to put a stop to the screwing of travelers. and nebraskens wonder ehy we have such a bad business rep in the rest of the usa "

 W.H. Iney wrote on August 19, 2007 11:35 am:
" gripe about hihg gas prices then gripe if you have to wait in line at a pump to save 50 cents a gallon. I think back to the stores my grandmother told me about REAL hardships that people facrd in the depression and then the rationing period of WW2. Those were tough times, but tough people marshalled on and did OK When did this country become such a nation of crybabies??? "

 WE wrote on August 19, 2007 11:46 am:
" The people who live in these communities could boycot these stations. Other stations in the area could advertise that they have thier low price at all pumps and flourish from both the community support and travelers alike. It is unfortunate that it isn't currently against the law. So, there is nothing left to do besides buying somewhere else and warning others about the sleazy business practices these stations are involved in. "

 where's johnny? wrote on August 19, 2007 2:25 pm:
" Typical of our punk AG. Remember the (non) price gouging after Hurricane Katrina? We asked his office then, if that wasn't price gouding, as he said it wasn't, then just what is the official Attorney General definition of price gouging? Too bad the punk is full of himself.God I hope he doesn't become a US senator, then we're all in trouble. He could care less for the working Nebraskan, who are we? Nobody. We aren't lining his pockets. I wonder how much money he gets from the gas companies to look the other way, like in this case. And, I thought Stenberg was bad. "

 JS wrote on August 19, 2007 2:38 pm:
" Someone driving through Nebraska and getting shafted at the gas pump will NEVER return here. Mr. Bruning better do something about this. What a shame. This is what we want to be known for in the nation? Having the highest gas prices and unscrupulous gas station owners?? "

 Sven wrote on August 19, 2007 3:49 pm:
" "We are honest, hardworking people here in Nebraska." Yeah, and all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average. Get real! There are just as many slime bags in Nebraska as anywhere else. We just don't need them on the welcoming committee picking the pockets of visitors. "

 funny wrote on August 19, 2007 3:55 pm:
" you think a republican is going to do something about high gas prices LMAO he is most likely getting cut of it "

 dafish wrote on August 19, 2007 4:18 pm:
" Isn't the Manipulation of the Minds of American Consumers just amazing!!??....While a few unscrupulous Businesses attempt to prey on the pocketbooks of those thinking they are getting the lowest available price, they are in actuality altering the minds of Many to THINK that the cost of gas at $3.09 per gallon is CHEAP! Seems that is just what the Producers and the System want...Isn't It?? And to the comments of Observer regarding his experience in Missouri, I will only say that while I understand his point, he was admittedly Speeding...which is against the Law regardless of driving conditions and I personally wish ALL States..including Nebraska.. would Strictly Enforce Traffic/Speeding Laws....It would then seem to me IF there is any kind of comparison between Gas Price Gouging and Observers' experience that would leave him No Place to Drive!! "

 Cal wrote on August 19, 2007 4:24 pm:
" Between the boring scenery, the helmet law, and petrol station scam artists, I have very little interest in driving/riding through Nebraska ever again. "

 Ej wrote on August 19, 2007 5:16 pm:
" These two stations have been doing this for a few years it would be nice if signs were put up to warn drivers about htis. "

 John wrote on August 19, 2007 5:54 pm:
" %2.68 last night in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Glad I filled up. "

 Unjust wrote on August 19, 2007 6:23 pm:
" I got suckered on this one over two years ago and reported to the State Patrol. I personally spoke with the North Platte Troop Area Commander and he said basically there was nothing legally he could do about it. He spoke to the owner at length and explained to him how unethical it is but to no avail. The knuckle head has no conscience. I can't believe it is still going on and the community hasn't some how put this guy out of business. Guys with this much lack of ethics should NOT own a business, he’s a common thief, and this is classic bait and switch. "

 craig wrote on August 19, 2007 6:27 pm:
" A similar tactic is being used right here in Lincoln and has been used for quite some time. The Sinclair at 40th and A street advertises a price on their sign and the fine print is (cash price). So if you want to use a check or debit card, it's a higher price. The North Platte incident only seems slightly more slimmey business ethics than the our 40th and A station but not by much. "

 Shut Em Down wrote on August 19, 2007 6:46 pm:
" People everywhere need to be alerted to this problem. No one do business at these stations. The long term effect will be awesome. Get the word out, pass it along! "

 Not Observer wrote on August 19, 2007 6:51 pm:
" I bet Missouri is thankful the speeders are chosing to keep their speeding ways out of the state. I can't imagnine anyone thinking that it should be ok to speed 11 miles over the posted speedlimit because they spend money. Good Grief! I just hope Observer doesn't speed like that around my family because I don't want his money nor do I want him speeding around in my state. "

 Don wrote on August 19, 2007 7:11 pm:
" Only in Nebraska do they treat you that way. This has been going on at least since before the 1980's at Lex. I lived in the east and when I drove home my parents always warned me about this. Really burned me. However, I found that people from coast to coast that travel thru Nebraska had found this out too, and thats been for years. People aren't dumb, alot have told me they fill up, at for instance, in Iowa and try to get to Colo or Wy etc. before filling again and if they can't make it, buy just enough to get them there. Gas is already higher in Nebraska, and you wonder why Nebraska has a coastal reputation????!!! I was born and raised in Nebraska and I've become NOT proud of it at all!! In all my years I never found this "thievery" "greedyness" in any other state. The nearly highest taxed state tells you what the people are, and that they try NOTHING to help make the lives of its citizens fruitful, except for the few. Not so in the state I lived in, in fact the very opposite!! "

 Also Not Observer wrote on August 19, 2007 8:47 pm:
" Thank you for taking the action you did. I'm sure by now MO is feeling the financial loss of your failure to return and are on the brink of closing the state because of it. Sounds to me like you just like to cry wolf and place blame any where but where it truley belongs; on yourself. "

 Yea, I don't do I-80 either anymore wrote on August 19, 2007 11:09 pm:
" Because of this very reason. I moved to colorado a few years ago and was shocked at the difference in price gases on one trip I went 1-70 through Kansas and was paying .50 cents cheaper than I was going home on I-80. I thought maybe it was a fluke, but after the first year and 4 trips I decied I-70 was my best bet. Makes me sad. "

 The crooked state! wrote on August 19, 2007 11:57 pm:
" This is the problem with the people of Nebraska. They don't stand for anything. This state and Lincoln are taxing them to the brink and nobody gets up in arms. They don't have any intelligence to know right from wrong even tho in black and white the property taxes are nearly the highest in U.S.and nothing to show for it! It even takes a St Louis (OUT OF STATE) person to bring this to light dramatically! I guarantee this would not happen in my former state, because the Attorney General would be all over those kind of things like flees!! Some friends from AZ took a trip to the east and came back and told me the same thing about the gas stations in Nebraska, and said Nebraska was the only place they ran into that kind of robbery!! Isn't that wonderful advertising for the state of Nebraska?? "

 Frank wrote on August 20, 2007 12:29 am:
" Lower cash prices make some sense. Companies are charged 2-3% by banks to accept their cards as forms of payment. Any bad check they receive also cuts into their profit. Since gas is such a low margin product, it does make sense to lower the cash price for someone paying with a tender that won't cost the business (or possibly cost the business) anything. Do I agree with them on doing it? No. Other stations get by fine without it. Are they charging more to trick some people? Possibly, but I doubt it. And if you don't have enough common sense to check what you're paying before you pump then maybe you deserve to lose a bit of money. "

 Jo wrote on August 20, 2007 9:09 am:
" Its really sad that people in America have become so lazy that they cannot read prices next to the buttons they push to get gas, and its even more saddening to me that the majority of Americans have no clue that E-10 is not just regular unleaded gas. Come on people get educated, and quit being lazy. Take responsibility for your own actions. Its not the gas station's fault if you put a more expensive gas in your car because you didn't pay attention, anymore than it is if you put diesel in your car. And most people only read what they want to on the signs that are posted or displayed. The Wilkinson station in question here has E-10 available on pumps 1 and 2 on not one but 2 different signs. Even if you were to miss that, you still have to push the button for what grade of fuel you want and the prices for each grade are clearly marked. Don't just assume the gas station made a mistake and pump anyway, come on, at least go ask the cashier about the prices. There is no one who is going to hold your hand or do it for you. You people are adults, try using common sense. If you get stung by this you deserve it!! "

 bettter than not buying gas there wrote on August 20, 2007 9:56 am:
" Here's a better Idea. Go to these places and only buy the cheap gas. Make sure not to buy anything else but the cheap gas(no snacks or soda's or anything.) This will keep them for doing this practice. Abuse their mark down and they can't do it anymore. Go to the station down the street that doesn't do it to get your snacks and drinks (this is where they make most of their money anyway.) Once the coffers are dry from all that cheap gas they sold the price will even back out. Beat them at their own game. "

 Have it figured out wrote on August 20, 2007 10:32 am:
" I'll bet what happen is the pumps with the higher price had just gotten a new load of fuel delieverd and need to charege more then the pump with lower price. This is just like some samller towns that have 4 or 5 stations, it is amazing that every ststion gets a load of fuel at the same time becasue they all go up price at once when one gets a load, but it amzing to find the price usually does nont drop until after 3 or 4 loads of lower price fuel is deleivered, you know they hve to insure all the higher price fuel has been pumped out. I agree wtin "B" on the question of Ethics in business, there is none, its all about making the almighty dollar. "

 yup wrote on August 20, 2007 10:40 am:
" I ran into the same thing this last week at the same two stations. Both stations got snotty with me when I questioned them about it. They also down graded e-10 as not being good for your car. I think the ethanal board should go out and set them straight. "

 I wrote on August 20, 2007 10:46 am:
" The only thing that can really be done about this is to make people aware. The fact is, it ISN'T illegal to do this, as long as at least one pump is offering gas for that advertised lower price. Is it ethical? Not in the least, in my opinion. But just because something isn't ethical doesn't make it illegal either. The best thing we can do is spread the word. "

 Big Deal wrote on August 20, 2007 10:57 am:
" If you don't look at the price of the gas you are pumping it is your own fault. Anyone knows the gas is cheaper in town but if you are smart enough to drive to the right pump you get a reward. I have no problem with that. And excuse me but big business does much worse everyday. "

 GIguy wrote on August 20, 2007 11:06 am:
" I know the retailers buy gas from the wholesalers in advance so as to get the lowest prices. But when you have ONE retailer with most of the gasoline market (out here its BOSSELMANS) setting the price, how can they say the prices aren't being fixed? Are other gasoline retailers going to LOWER their profits by LOWERING their prices to outsell Bosselman? Of course they won't. THEY ALL WANT TO MAKE MONEY! SO WHY COMPETE by lowering the prices? I'm not a rocket scientist but anyone who's lived out here in Grand Wasteland er i mean Grand Island can tell you whats going on. THE PRICES ARE BEING FIXED. THERE IS NO COMPETETION. "

 rick wrote on August 20, 2007 11:15 am:
" Well you Republicans are getting EXACTLY what you deserve. When are you people going to figure out that YOUR Republican lawmakers are doing this to you? Yet you are like lemmings to the sea every time there is an election this state continues to be red. It should terrify you that Brunning and Johanns may be your Senate choices. They are both horrible politicians, but that is who you are going to vote for because you think Hagel is siding with the Democrats, especially regarding this rediculous war we are fighting. As far as gas goes, what is the excuse for the 14 cent jump the last two days? I have not heard one yet. Maybe the refinery in Kansas is working again? Wouldn't that lower prices? I guess that is Republican math, more supply equals higher prices. "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on August 20, 2007 11:18 am:
" Sorry, Jo, but I have a different way of dealing with this. I was ripped off once this way in Ogallala, so I don't stay, refuel, eat lunch, or buy anything in Ogallala any more. If y'all are going to rip me off at the gas pump, I sure don't trust you to rent me a room. Useful article, though: I'm going to add North Platte and Lexington to my 'no-stop' list. "

 Dano wrote on August 20, 2007 11:54 am:
" On a recent trip from Colorado, I mad ethe same discovery in N. Platte. I pulled over, but looked at the pump first. Saw the BS and immediately left. I filled up and ate lunch with my family and other group in another traveling with us in Kearney instead. I can pretty much say for fact, that I will never stop for gas west of Kearney again when I head that way, unless I am on empty. I was a little peeved, and my wife or I don't recall seeing signs about it being cheap on other pumps. This practice is total fraud, reagardless of what anyone says. It is a bait and switch if you are pulling people off the interstate system with signs only eagles could read from there. It would benefit those areas from ending this practice soon. They can be assured that more and more people will know, now that the internet is around. I tell everyone I know that is headed that way to watch for it. Wiser travelers will be aware and avoid that area or our state entirely as some have mentioned. As irritated as it made, I can't blame them. "

 Tired of Whining wrote on August 20, 2007 11:57 am:
" Seriously folks, this is exactly what is wrong with this country anymore (in my opinion). There is a business that is trying to scam people. All anyone wants to do about it is to simply cry, b*tch, and whine until the government steps in to do something and then cry, etc that our taxes are too high. Simple solution, if no one goes into the gas station because of crooked business practices, then said business owner won't be able to stay in business. And if everyone is public and loud about why they are going to any other business but his then the competition will have a clear view of what will happen if they try to scam people as well. Find a neighboring lot and make a cheap and giant sign posting prices are only on a select few pumps (or even something nastier if you wish) and take matters into your own hands instead of simply crying to the government to make everything all better. Man, I reemmber stories of my Grandfather's day too and they actually took the tiem to solve their own problems. Amazing concept these days, I know. "

 Rich wrote on August 20, 2007 12:29 pm:
" Tired of Whining has a decent point for finding a solution for the locals, but the rest of us will avoid buying gas in western Nebraska. I wonder if they advertised soda for $.99, but have different price tags on identical bottles. One wouldn't suspect such a business practices, but I guess Nebraska has sunk to new lows. "

 Scott wrote on August 20, 2007 12:57 pm:
" For years I have travelled I80 between Denver and Lincoln. The solution of the North Platte ripoff game is to drive a little further north into town and fill up. I've been doing it for over 20 years. Also, it the "good people" of North Platte are so upset, then picket the two sleaze bags. When someone pulls up, tell them where the honest gas stations are located. That should stop the sleaze bags in their track. Well, unless they also "own" the local cops. Scott "

 Lisa wrote on August 20, 2007 12:57 pm:
" This is stupid. READ THE SIGN!!!! Try reading some of your insurance policies and deciphering their fine print on what is covered and not. Be an adult - the price is on the pump - grocery stores do this kind of thing all the time. Offer something at near $0.00 so they get you in their store. Grow up Nebraskans. To travelers - there is no free lunch, stay in school and learn to read. "

 Picketer wrote on August 20, 2007 1:05 pm:
" A group of locals needs to get together with picket signs letting people know of this scan and see how it effects his business. Maybe that would get his attention. "

 nemo wrote on August 20, 2007 2:43 pm:
" "let the buyer beware". "

 MMH wrote on August 20, 2007 2:51 pm:
" We just experienced this yesterday in North Platte, as well as the extremely dirty bathrooms. We will never fill up in this town again next time we head out on the highway. "

 Chloe wrote on August 20, 2007 3:54 pm:
" The weekend before last, I was in Rockport, MO. The fuel there on the Interstate was $2.85 (it was only $2.79 in Lincoln that day). I drove 4 miles into town and discovered fuel for $2.69 This is something that is done EVERYWHERE. It is not just a Nebraska thing. If you don’t like the prices or practices of a store, DON’T SHOP at that location. OPEN YOUR EYES and read the price of the fuel on the gas pump. These gas stations are actually smart. They rely on the STUPIDITY of the consumer and are making a bundle!!! They are not breaking the law; they just are not holding your hand to help you make a smart decision. "

 Ogallala Resident wrote on August 20, 2007 5:27 pm:
" Too bad Gerald won't stop in Ogallala anymore. Punishing the business owners here because of the actions of one gas station, which, incidentally isn't even owned by someone from Ogallala. There are plenty of reputable business owners in Ogallala. Go over the viaduct to the locally owned gas station and pay much, much less than you will on the interstate. Every town across I-80 (and not just Nebraska) gouges at the interstate, but the Wilkinson Conoco station's bait and switch scam takes the cake. "

 Bill wrote on August 20, 2007 6:08 pm:
" Why does not some interest group take a collection of money, buy time on the radio and/or see if the station could take an interest by visiting this issue on their talk show broadcast or make public service announcements. announcements. I am sure the other advertisers would appreciate the gesture. "

 PR wrote on August 20, 2007 10:19 pm:
" What is going on in Nebraska is, they post the price on a sign and you got to fill up and think, well they forgot to change the sign. Then its discovered that one pump will have the low price and others a higher price. Or before the self serve days, when you went in the station to pay the bill, if you weren't their friend or local you paid a higher price. Thats when my family warned me when I use to drive home from the east. I've had two different friends visiting that found this out this summer, one in North Platte & one in Lex. Yeah most interstate stations charge more than those in a town especially little towns. But you don't find that in my former city I lived in. But then you won't find double property & state taxes in my former state either!!! "

 Just Two Words.... wrote on August 21, 2007 12:06 am:
" In Lincoln it's been Whitehead Oil for nearly 50 years - always 5 cents higher than Omaha or anywhere else for that matter.. "

 Ed wrote on August 21, 2007 7:25 am:
" It seems to me we should stop buying from any Conoco until this is fixed in North Platte. Conoco may have 'independent dealers' and my be 'an ethical company', but when they let practices like this continue, they've lost me. If this complaint is heard by other 'independent dealers' in their wallets, maybe the company ethics will change on the whole. "

 NE Traveler wrote on August 21, 2007 11:13 am:
" I stopped for gas in Lexington at a BP station because the advertised price was $2.98 only to find out after the car was fueled that the price was really over $3. When traveling, who has time to read the small print? "

 Steve wrote on August 22, 2007 6:46 pm:
" those station have been doing that for years but nobody notices untill gas is $ 3.00 or more its hard enough to make living and then theres these crooks taking advantage of you. i hope they go to jail!!!! "

 Schmoopie wrote on August 22, 2007 10:29 pm:
" I think the law needs to change to make the practice illegal. I used to stop in North Platte, on trips to MN from CO, but won't buy gas there again until the practice is stopped. "

 Mo wrote on August 23, 2007 1:28 pm:
" I think people need to just pay attention and buck up. I noticed this on my trip earlier this summer, and went to the correct pump, and filled up, at that great low price. I didn't get angry, write a letter, and complain. I just put the correct gas in my car and was on my way. As far as the Conoco in Lexington: The way the product is dispensed, it must come out of a separate pump, which in this case was a pump formerly used for Diesel. The station is using blenders, which take two tanks and mix the product in varying amounts to make the final product (Regular, Mid-Grade, or Premium). If they put ethanol in one, it ends up in all three. This is why its in a pump recently changed over from diesel, because it needs to remain separate. I was THANKFUL they converted one pump to ethanol for me to use, and GRACIOUS they had cheaper gas available, and did not COMPLAIN about it. I actually THANKED the clerk. "

 Phil Upham wrote on September 3, 2007 9:41 am:
" A sleezy practice perpetrated by an out of control oil industry. I'd encourage all travelers to avoid these stations and the towns that tolerate such businesses. I have always liked Nebraska, my wife is from there, but find such practice sufficent for me to fill up in more respectable communities. "

 Doug wrote on October 1, 2007 7:10 am:
" I love this story coming up again after the fact. All you whiners on here saying where's Johnny and where's Bruning. You all talk about how Nebraska is so far behind because the AG lets these things happen. Then, the article comes out telling how Bruning listened to you and addressed the situation and the situation will be be fixed. The very same names of posters show up bashing Bruning for grandstanding and telling him to work on "real" problems. I have to laugh at all of you. You have proven that you are whining just to be whining. You have no real issue so you try to make one. Great job Bruning, you have proven them wrong AGAIN. "

 Carol wrote on October 1, 2007 8:02 am:
" This happened to me this summer. I saved all year to be able to afford a drive out west to see my grandchildren for the first time. I was budgeting every penny. Instead of the advertised $3.14 per gallon, I paid almost $3.60. When I complained to the cashier, she told me it was available at that price at one pump. Geez, they only had three pumps total. I told her she could have told me that when I came in to pre-pay. She said I should have looked at the pump. Greed, pure and simple. We are all struggling in this economy. No need to rip each other off. By the way, I paid LESS for gas in CA and WA this summer than I did here in NE!!! "

 Amy Klein wrote on October 7, 2007 10:25 am:
" Please take notice that this is not the Stoney's BP in Lexington. It's just CONOCO in Lexington. "

 badger wrote on July 10, 2008 12:27 am:
" It should be noted that middle east gasoline is selling for $0.60 a gallon while I know shipping must increase the price, I presonally think 641% mark up is a little steep give the large bulk transit they use. Nor do I believe that all gas stations in the country became uniformally greedy at the same time. The gas companies know we are on the verge of no longer being soley dependent on them and they will take us for all that we are worth unless the goverment takes some very drastic action (nationalizing the oil market to stbilize our econamy or the like)not going to happen with bush in the office or any other oil motivated or should we say owned president. "

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