Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Indianapolis, Indiana

As of July 21, 2009, Indianapolis gas prices calculate out at $2.272 per gallon of regular grade fuel. This reading compares quite favorably to the U.S. Department of Energy's $2.463 mark. Midwest gas prices do benefit from relatively expansive transportation networks radiating from the energy rich Gulf Coast and minimal population densities in comparison to the Eastern Seaboard.

Hoosier consumers also capitalize upon the enormous oil refinery facilities at Whiting, Lima, Toledo, and Detroit. The nearby industrial capacity caps prices and maintains gasoline supply into the State of Indiana.

Still, the State House at Indianapolis represents one of the more demanding municipalities in the country in terms of taking its cut at the register. Indiana motorists are required to pay sales taxes upon the 29.7-cent per gallon gas levies at the pump. Of course, all retail gasoline sold within the United States must also submit to the 18.4-cent Federal excise tax.

The American Petroleum Institute calculates that Indiana drivers remit a total of 52.2 cents per gallon worth of taxes on average. This 52.2-cent mark is the 9^th highest in the Nation and counteracts the large amounts of gasoline supply available to Indianapolis consumers in terms of price.

Indianapolis gas costs at the local level are set by access to critical roadways. Logically, Nap Town bottlenecks and conduits for traffic funnel drivers and demand into particular areas, which allows for prices to spike.

Remember, Indiana fashions itself as "The Crossroads of America." Intelligent commuters will expect gasoline costs to surge at the vital junctions that combine local traffic with Interstate drivers making the connection from the East Coast, Deep South, Chicago, and points west.

This guide shall explore the cheap gas proposal from opposite reaches of the spectrum. We will begin by exposing the most expensive Circle City locations to purchase gasoline, and close with key listings and alternatives where patrons may transact business to save gasoline money.

Where NOT to Buy Gas in Indianapolis, Indiana

Do not buy gas at I-65.

Specifically, dismiss all ideas of buying gas at the Keystone and both 465 junctions.

Locals will recognize the Keystone Interchange as a sprawling complex of ramps that represents the confluence of I-65 and I-70 to skirt downtown. The mixing bowl combines downtown commuters, airport traffic, and interstate travelers into one harrowing matrix of mainline traffic and jammed exit ramps.

Expensive gasoline is for sale at all service stations abutting this bottleneck.

For example, Marathon and Shell front both sides of 65 leading into the Keystone from the north at 922 N. Delaware and 1551 N. Illinois Street, respectively, to hawk $2.29 regular unleaded gas. Meanwhile, Speedway is posted up at the opposite end of The Keystone and flashes $2.25 from 1207 S. East Street.

Downtown motorists will discover that prices fall immediately to the east of the Keystone along Washington Street. Off-brand retailer Admiral offers $2.13 fare at 1435 E. Washington.

Both 465 / 65 junctions represent death traps for expensive gas at Indianapolis. The South Side interchange is of particular importance because of the high vehicle count and neighboring sprawl of the rapidly growing area.

Interestingly, the highest gas prices in all of Indianapolis are centered upon this 65 / 465 focal point, away from downtown. $2.39 is the going rate for 87-octane at Arlington, Emerson, and Keystone avenues.

Indy veterans will note that gas prices plunge to $2.22 at East Street and Madison Avenue. These major thoroughfares are located immediately to the west of I-65 from the outskirts of Indianapolis.

Smart consumers will exit 465 at East Street or onto westbound Southport Road from 65 to access the Perry Township area. The cluster of $2.17 gas fare, which includes 7-11, Speedway, and Marathon at Southport west of 65 may mark the most convenient stop.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Indianapolis, Indiana

Take your pick.

Cheap gas is the order of the day at Indianapolis and remains the standard at all locations away from the expressway. We have already identified East, Madison, and Washington as important corridors for cheap gas. We will now proceed to add Shadeland to the matrix per East Indianapolis.

Shadeland Avenue parallels the 465 belt and prices break the $2.20 floor along the route. Again, Admiral is positioned to accommodate thrifty consumers at the corner of Shadeland and Pleasant Run Parkway off I-70.

North Side Indy and Washington Township residents must shift east of Meridian to Keystone or Emerson for cheap gas. Speedway is moving $2.19 87-octane at the corner of E. 56^th and Emerson in Millersville.

Still, Washington Street remains the most viable locale to buy cheap gas from all points Indianapolis and Marion County. The Decatur Township outside of 465 towards the airport is particularly affordable.

Phillips 66, Thorntons, Swifty, and Marathon are all peddling cheap gas for $2.09 at the confluence of I-465, U.S. Route 40, and Girls School Road in Ben Davis.

Happy Trails.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sources:

The City of Indianapolis, http://www.indy.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

The State of Indiana, http://www.in.gov/

Indianapolis Gas Prices, http://www.indygasprices.com/