Gas under $2 a gallon at some stations in Fresno area

Gas is under $2 a gallon at a handful of gas stations in the Fresno area, a rarity that is inspiring delight among drivers.

A gallon of unleaded was selling for $1.87 Friday at the Fast N Esy at Parkway Drive and Olive Avenue.

The gas station has been doing brisk business in the mornings and after work, said cashier Sam Kang.

Customers are chattering about the low prices, he said.

“With 20 bucks they can fill up the tank,” he said. “Normally they say they would have to fill up twice a week and now they can put in the 20 and it lasts them all week.”

Drivers can find the cheapest stations by going to the GasBuddy site www.fresnogasprices.com, where motorists report prices they see.

Drivers took to Twitter on Friday to share their excitement over dropping prices, with one woman, Veerta Birdi, tweeting, “Gas prices in Fresno are $1.99. #OhDearLord” with an image of hands praising God.

Prices are so low because the cost of crude oil has dropped so much, said Allison Mac, a petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.

But enjoy those low gasoline prices while they last because they’ll soon be a thing of the past. Refineries will soon start switching over to California’s cleaner-burning summer blend of gasoline, and that pushes prices up, Mac said.

Despite the sub-$2 prices, the average price of a gallon of unleaded is still $2.30 in Fresno and $2.32 in the Visalia-Tulare-Porterville area, according to AAA of Northern California.

Many gas stations, such as Shell and Chevron, are selling gas in the $2.50 range. The vast difference in prices stems from multiple factors, including well-known name brands that have higher rent or marketing expenses that get passed along to the customers. Some brands are also locked into contracts for gasoline at higher prices, Mac said.

Statewide, the average price of gas is $2.53. Nationwide, it’s much lower, at an average $1.76.

This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 9:55 AM with the headline "Gas under $2 a gallon at some stations in Fresno area."