Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, NC prides itself as representing the gateway to the New South. The banking center and hub for American motor sports has experienced explosive growth in the near term and recently emerged as a top-20 U.S. city per population statistics. The Queen City is the Crown Jewel of the State of North Carolina and a vital link per East Coast - Atlantic South transportation.

The city is lauded for its cleanliness, roadway network, and affordable cost of living. The low-priced fare, which has been a boon to Charlotte development, also manifests itself at the pump. Today, Charlotte motorists enjoy average readings of $2.595 for regular unleaded gasoline. This figure undercuts the U.S. Department of Energy national reading of $2.647.

Per the Lower-48, gas price rates are determined by one's proximity to the Gulf Coast energy belt and state taxes at the municipal level. Locally, gas station variance is established per the access to transacting business within thriving communities and / or the critical thoroughfares of a particular locale.

Charlotte drivers must appreciate the gas tax policy of both North and South Carolina to effectively play the angles. According to The Tax Foundation, North Carolina gas taxes dominate that of South Carolina by a wide margin. Raleigh taxes motorists at a 30.2 cent-per gallon rate, which trump's Columbia's 16.8-cpg.

The American Petroleum Institute cites the Palmetto State as carrying gas tax rates that are the fifth lowest in the nation. Naturally, cheap gas is plentiful for Charlotte drivers across the border into South Carolina.

The purpose of this guide is to evaluate both sides of the cheap gas proposal. We will begin by exposing the most expensive areas in the QC per which to buy gas and close with our presentation of viable alternatives to said service stations.

Further, this blueprint proves that "cheap" is a relative term, which translates into "less expensive than the next guy." Although fuel costs fluctuate wildly, today's pockets of cheap gas will remain solid into the future per patterns of commercial activity and State House legislation that is relatively stable going forward.

Where NOT to Buy Cheap Gas in Charlotte, North Carolina

Gas prices spike at Interstate 77 interchanges in Charlotte.

77 is Charlotte's main north-south thoroughfare and the only continuous expressway with access to the downtown core. Charlotte's highest gas prices all radiate from I-77 and downtown.

The West Boulevard BP is hawking expensive gas for $2.67, while the Clanton Road Shell flashes $2.65 further to the south at the Clanton Road exits. This high-priced gas action continues north to Lake Norman per 77, where $2.59 marks the going rate for regular unleaded gasoline. Certainly, North Carolina motorists jockeying to merge upon this highway from secondary routes boost demand, and therefore the price of fuel.

Of course, gas prices plunge the further that one navigates away from 77. Interestingly, prices fall deeper into "New South" Charlotte, which is synonymous with golf courses, McMansions, fresh development, and trendy shopping.

The Shell at Selwyn Avenue and Brandywine Road may be the most convenient option of value for I-77 commuters. The Circle K - Shell is undercutting the neighboring competition for $2.54 at 2926 Selwyn Avenue.

Further to the east, Shell offers 87-octane for an even more affordable $2.47 at 4474 Randolph Road. $2.47 is comparable to the $2.49 reading at NC 27 Mount Holly Road and Huntersville at the northwest outskirts of Charlotte.

We do recognize that out-of-the way drivers may balk at driving lengthy distances to save three bucks on the fill-up. Remember, the purpose of this particular section is merely to expose the I-77 band of expensive gas through Charlotte.

Sometimes saving money is more so a function of avoiding the price gouge at the register, than it is of anything else.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte drivers will cross the border into South Carolina for cheap gas.

Remember, Palmetto gas taxes rival the lowest in the Nation, and prices will fall dramatically at the State Line. The Fort Mill, SC Texaco at 177 Carowinds Boulevard is the most convenient location per Queen City locals. Carowinds amusement park revelers will recognize that this location offers direct access to 77 at Exit 90.

The Fort Mill Texaco is flashing $2.32 for regular gasoline at the time of this writing.

Times at the Highway 21 Bypass and Old Nations Road in Fort Mill, SC proves further that cheap gas is the rule in South Carolina and greets drivers with $2.36 at 2488 U.S. 21 Bypass. Meanwhile, prices plunge to $2.34 off Route 49 into Lake Wylie, SC.

All South Carolina service station fare compares favorably to the prevailing $2.55 - 2.60 price point directly across the border into the Tar Heel State.

Smart Charlotte consumers will stop and buy gas in South Carolina, or simply avoid purchasing fuel at the North Carolina section of I-77, altogether, in order to save money.

Happy Trails.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sources:

Charlotte Gas Prices, http://www.charlottegasprices.com/

The State of North Carolina, http://www.ncgov.com/

The State of South Carolina, http://sc.gov/