Brookfield Motorists Winning Big In Gas Station Price War
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two gas stations in the western suburbs have been waging an old-fashioned price war for more than a week.
The Shell and Clark stations on 31st Street and Maple Avenue in Brookfield have been going at it ever since Koshy Alexander took over the Shell station last week, and immediately lowered prices to what the Clark station was charging.
By last Friday and Saturday, it hit the low point, according to Alexander.
"He was going almost $1.68. We were at $1.72," he said.
As of Thursday morning, prices were $2.029 at the Shell, $1.989 at Clark.
Either way, that's a savings of nearly 50 cents a gallon compared to most other gas stations. According to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in the Chicago metropolitan area on Thursday was $2.476. A week ago, it was $2.554.
Clark owner Ranjit Singh said he's losing about 21 cents a gallon at the latest prices.
"He's losing money. I'm losing money," Singh said.
Customers know they're the big winners.
"As much gas as I can get for my money, I'll take it," Cheryl Pold said as she filled up at the Clark station.
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Brook Righeimer was giddy over the price war saying, "They always have competitive prices, but this is amazing."
Alexander admitted he started the price war as a way to let people know his gas station is under new management.
He estimated he has lost more than $42,000 so far.
"I'm losing little bit money in the beginning, but I'll get it back. I just want to let people know this is new management," he said.
Shell customer Bertha Roberson says she's "glad I fell into it this morning."
It was unclear when there might be a truce for the two rival stations.
