Is the gas price at highway service area stations the same as outside?
3 Answers
Highway service area gas stations operated by the same company in the same region have the same fuel prices as those outside. This is because gas station prices across the country are uniformly set by the National Development and Reform Commission. Below is relevant information about gas stations: 1. Gas station overview: A gas station is a refueling facility that provides retail gasoline and motor oil services for cars and other motor vehicles, typically supplying fuel oil, lubricants, etc. 2. Precautions at gas stations: Since petroleum products sold at gas stations are highly flammable, volatile, prone to leakage, and can accumulate static electricity, gas stations prioritize "safety" as their foremost principle. Open flames are strictly prohibited at gas stations, as are any operations that may generate sparks. It is forbidden to add gasoline to a car's carburetor or oil drum. All vehicles must turn off their engines before refueling, and all hazardous materials are strictly prohibited from entering the station.
Actually, the fuel prices at highway service area gas stations are usually higher than those at regular urban gas stations. This is mainly due to the remote locations of service areas, higher rental and management costs, and less competition leading to price hikes. From my decades of driving experience, the price difference can reach 10-20%, which means filling up once during a long trip could cost you dozens of yuan more. To save money, I recommend filling up at a chain gas station in the city before a long trip—it's both economical and reassuring. If you encounter an emergency and have to refuel at a service area, don't fret over the extra cost; safety comes first. After all, the convenience and security of refueling at a service area are more practical than saving a few bucks. Otherwise, breaking down halfway would be a much bigger hassle. Just pay extra attention when planning your trip.
I often drive on highways and notice that gas prices at service areas are indeed higher. For instance, during business trips, I frequently encounter prices over 10% more expensive than in the city. However, the biggest advantage is the convenience: it saves time by not having to exit the highway to find a gas station, allowing me to quickly get back on the road, saving half an hour or even an hour. I think this premium is worth it. But filling up at city gas stations in advance is more economical. If the trip isn’t long, I definitely choose to refuel in the city. The higher prices at service areas are mainly due to their monopoly and unique locations—it’s not about being unscrupulous but rather the higher actual costs. So, as a driver, it’s about balancing convenience and cost savings. Avoiding refueling at service areas during peak hours might also help save a bit.
