Lexington drivers frustrated by 28-cent gas price swings

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Drivers across the city are expressing frustration over significant variations in gasoline prices at competing stations, with price differences exceeding 28 cents per gallon at some locations, according to LEX 18 News.

The disparity is particularly evident at the corner of Georgetown and Mercer Road, where Speedway was charging $3.91 per gallon for regular unleaded Thursday morning while Shell across the street charged $4.19 — a 28-cent difference that caught many motorists off guard.

"It's strange," said driver Roushdan Nurideen. "I liked it better when gasoline was regulated, when everybody had the same prices. Now it's like anything. People charge what they want to charge."

While some price variation between retailers is typical in competitive markets, the magnitude of the differences has become more noticeable to Lexington drivers in recent weeks. Diesel fuel, which costs more than $5 per gallon at most locations across the city, shows less variation between stations.

Nurideen, who was filling up diesel to change his fuel filter, expressed frustration about the overall cost of fuel. "Can you believe these prices?... It's crazy, man, cost of way!" he said.

Though average gas prices have edged down slightly across Lexington in recent weeks, the upcoming summer driving season — with Memorial Day just five weeks away — is likely to keep fuel costs elevated. Seasonal demand typically drives prices higher during the summer months as more Americans take to the roads for vacation travel.

Gas prices are determined by multiple factors including crude oil costs, refinery capacity, distribution expenses, taxes, and individual retailer profit margins. The lack of price regulation allows gas stations to set prices independently based on local market conditions and their business strategies.