What's Behind the Gas Price Gap in Lubbock?

A viewer called our attention to a gas price gap in Lubbock. Prices were significantly lower at west Lubbock stations than the same brand stations in south Lubbock.

"I went to United down the street and got gas for $2.62 the other day and I work out at slide, everyday on the other side of slide and its almost $3 out there," said Ryan Lowrance.

"Every penny counts so it may not seem like much of a difference but it adds up over time," said Mary Backis.

Consumers have been taking advantage of these low gas prices in West Lubbock.

"I'm working three jobs and still not making it so I've got to pay attention to what I'm spending," said Lowrance.

As of Thursday afternoon, gas prices in west Lubbock were as much as 12 cents cheaper than the same brand stations in South Lubbock. But Charles Bolton of Bolton Oil says this gap is small compared to a few weeks ago.

"That is the closest it has been in really three weeks. It has been 20 cents difference," said Bolton.

Bolton says prices are based on nearby competitors and one new gas station drove down the price.

"A new station opened up on 4th St and they just knocked the bottom out of the prices. As they were there for a few days other marketers met their price and that is what has been going on for the last 3 weeks," he said.

He says that their stations have been losing 20 to 30 cents a gallon keeping prices that low.

"It costs a lot of money to sell below cost. It's not something that people enjoy doing but from time to time that does happen," said Bolton.

And Bolton says thankfully for their company the price gap seems to be closing.

"They haven't been as aggressive on 4th St the last two or three days as they have been last two or three weeks. And you know part of that is going to depend on the prices of fuel and how much those locations are losing," said Bolton.

Bolton says Lubbock has always had a very competitive gas market. He says Lubbock prices average 10-15 cents cheaper than surrounding towns.