Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Durham, North Carolina

The Raleigh - Durham, North Carolina area does feature gas prices that are largely in line with the prevailing National averages. As of June 22, 2009, the average cost of one gallon of regular grade gasoline totaled out at $2.691, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Regionally, this figure is comprised of a $2.636 figure for the Lower Atlantic.

The readings do match the price action at Durham, which averages gas fuel costs of $2.67 per gallon. Southern gas prices are typically the lowest in the country due to the Sun Belt's proximity to critical Gulf Coast energy infrastructure and tax regimes that are quite favorable to consumers.

Of course, North Carolinians en masse, have become outraged by recently approved Raleigh legislation to set a tax floor at 29.9 cents per gallon until mid 2011. North Carolina lawmakers typically shift the charge per the prevailing rates of wholesale gasoline. However, Raleigh is struggling to meet gaps within the road construction budget and cannot afford even greater revenue shortfalls.

Still, Tar Heels across the state have voiced outrage at the proposal.

"Cheap gas" is a relative term and I must warn Durhamites that gas retails for $3 on the West Coast due to environmental requirements and outrageous taxes. Certainly, Californians would applaud and swarm any service station that moves gasoline at $2.69. Golden State gas taxes are the highest in the U.S. and include egregious sales taxes at 7.25%.

Irrespective of the National comparisons, Durham does enjoy the lowest gas prices within the Triangle area. Durham is primarily a grittier, working class locale relative to the tony Chapel Hill and old money at Raleigh. Real estate is typically more affordable and these savings are passed onto consumers at the pump.

Again, "cheap gas" is actually in the eye of the beholder and we must identify Durham's areas and service stations that undercut the competition. This guide will begin by evaluating the most expensive sites to buy gas in Durham, before articulating the viable alternatives.

Yes, driving to Sanford simply to save 15 cents per gallon at the aisle would be completely foolish.

Where NOT to Buy Cheap Gas in Durham, NC

Do not buy gas within close proximity of Duke University unless doing so is absolutely necessary. Prevailing gas prices that border this campus are all outrageously high in relation to Greater Durham. The price action is logical as Duke University and Medical Center represents Durham's largest employer.

Gas prices at Erwin Road, which borders the University are topping out at $2.69 for regular at the moment. Both Exxon and BP have built a presence at 2500 and 2432 Erwin, respectively. NC 751, NC 147, and the U.S. 15-501 bypass abut these locations and consumers must always pay up for convenience.

Proximity to major highways and commercial zones typically undergird high gas prices. For example, Interstate 85 across the Durham is yet another flash point for expensive gas.

Although prices at I-85 through Durham do register one shade lower than Duke University, access to the main highway through the Southeast obviously affects prices. Gas retails for $2.69 at the Guess Road BP directly at I-85 and prices steadily fall the further that one travels away from the Interstate.

Shell and Kangaroo Express are the cheapest options for Durhamites at Duke University and I-85. Both service stations typically undersell the competition and are now moving gas for $2.66 at 3414 Hillsborough Road and 3301 Guess Road.

Although spreads may not be large at the moment, motorists should embrace these two stations amidst periods of skyrocketing fuel costs.

Of course, South Durham is always the best option for cheap gas.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Durham, NC

The sparsely populated back roads between Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, and Interstate 40 through South Durham are the best places to buy cheap gas. The locations combine affordability at the pump, safe neighborhoods, and available entry onto the major highways of the Raleigh-Durham area.

Specifically, Garrett Road, Highway 54 at I-40 between the Chapel Hill exit and Fayetteville Road, NC 751 - Hope Valley, and Old Chapel Hill Road. Cheap gas will be purchased at South Durham for $2.63 at the time of this writing.

Durhamites will enter the area per the 15-501 Bypass and hang a left at Garrett Road, or simply trace NC 751 into South Durham towards Southpoint Mall.

Exxon filling stations at the intersections of Old Chapel Hill and Garrett Road and Highway 54 and Fayetteville Road are retailing gasoline at $2.63. British Petroleum matches this price mark along NC 751 at 54 and Southpoint.

Intelligent Raleigh - Durham motorists will always seek to buy cheap gas at South Durham.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Durham, NC, Sources:

The City of Durham, http://www.ci.durham.nc.us/

The City of Raleigh, http://www.raleigh-nc.org/portal/server.pt?space=CommunityPage&cached=true&parentname=Login&parentid=0&in_hi_userid=2&control=SetCommunity&CommunityID=208&PageID=0

Durham Gas Prices, http://www.durhamgasprices.com/