Drivers in Altavista, Virginia, were shocked when they saw the prices at their local 76 gas station. In honor of Customer Appreciation Day, the business offered gas at $0.76 per gallon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 6. Customers who used the Fuel Forward App were able to knock that price down to an even more impressive $0.31 per gallon. For many residents, this event was more than just a sale; it was a lifeline.
“A lot of our everyday customers, maybe they’re filling up a couple of gallons here and there just to get by,” Shiv Patel, the president of Heas Energy told WSET. “We’re hoping that this event brings those people that need a full tank of gas.”
He added that Heas Energy, which supplies fuel for many Virginia 76 gas stations, tries to lower the prices in a different location every year on July 6.
“We can’t do it every day, but we can at least afford to do it every July 6th,” he said.
This year, they chose the store on Main Street in Altavista. Locals were thrilled with the event, lining up long before it even began.
“Compared to what we’ve been paying, this is kind of a blessing,” said Charlie Hudson, a customer. Another, Amanda Tascone, added, “Life is so expensive and life is hard, so the little things like cheap gas just mean so much.”
In order to compensate their clientele for the long line, the gas station provided a variety of amenities for those waiting. This included free food and water as well as games and activities. Some lucky patrons even received gift cards. After the event, many customers said that they were grateful to be able to put the gas money they saved toward other essentials, such as groceries.
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