Locals flock to tribal gas stations amid high fuel prices

OROVILLE - As gas prices remain above average since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran began late February, Oroville area residents have been flocking to Feather Falls Mini Mart for less expensive fuel.

One Oroville woman, LeAnn Brown, said she makes sure to hit this gas station on her commute over every other station around because of cost.

"I make sure that I stop by here first, because if I'm caught out running around or whatever, I don't want to go to other gas stations," Brown said while filling up her car Friday.

The cost for one gallon of regular gas Friday at Feather Falls Mini Mart was $5.59, while the average cost in the Chico and Oroville area was $5.69, according to GasBuddy.com.

Tribal owned gas stations - like the ones at Feather Falls Casino, Gold Country Casino and Rolling Hills Casino - have been reported as a source of reprieve from high prices during the Iran war being exempt from state fuel taxes, about 71 cents in California.

Brown and others at Feather Falls Mini Mart on Friday have been able to afford gas within their budget, but say the increase has been noticeable since the war began.

"I'm sure there's people that have really tight budgets," Brown said. "I just make sure that whenever I start my day, before I run my errands or whatever, I come here first so I'm not caught out in town."

U.S. consumers saw the largest monthly jump in gas prices in six decades, about 40% from Feb. 28 to April 10.

GasBuddy reported Monday that gas prices in Chico averaged $5.77 per gallon, about $1.07 higher than one year ago and $0.57 than in March. The national averages was $4.07.

Oroville resident Steven Simmons said he regularly visits Feather Falls Mini Mart and is paying about $65 per tank of gas, about $15 more than before the war.

Michael Stanley, who drives a work vehicle as a traveling electrician, said he thinks the increase in fuel prices are hurting Americans, especial senior citizens on a tight budget.

He said he thinks heavy taxes on gas in California hurts working young people and businesses because they can't afford basic necessities.

"With our government in California - we're gonna go $10 a gallon," Stanley said.

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