Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Buying cheap gas at homogeneous Pittsburgh is more so a function of identifying which areas to avoid, than that of aggressively seeking out true zones for gasoline value. In fact, this article proves that Pittsburghers must travel deep into the outskirts of the area for cheap fuel.

Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania do share an interesting history with the oil and gas industry. The 1859 Drake Well at Oil City fostered the speculative boom at Oil Country, just to the north of the Three Rivers.

Kerosene was the byproduct of choice at the time, and pesky gasoline "waste" was simply dumped into the river after ramshackle refining processes. Pittsburgh and Cleveland were to then emerge as bitter rivals, grappling to control the burgeoning U.S. energy industry.

Ironically, both cities were promptly left in the dark once John D. Rockefeller shifted operations to Cleveland, felt insulted by the lack of Love emanating from his hometown, and bolted for New York City with Standard Oil.

Meanwhile, Americans were hitting the road and clamoring for gasoline; and numerous big oil strikes developed at East Texas, just as the Pennsylvania wells ran dry. Historically, The Keystone State has degenerated from the focal point of the energy sector, towards the back of the line with the rest of the industrialized world.

Today, Pittsburgh averages $2.572 per gallon of regular grade gasoline. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this figure squares with National readings of $2.528.

Geographic proximity to the Gulf Coast, along with municipal tax policy determines regional price levels. Locally, neighboring price volatility is largely a function of what I would describe as the "wealth effect" of doing business within exclusive neighborhoods and proximity to "one way out" highway networks.

We have already described Pittsburgh as homogeneous. Meaning, the Pittsburgh area lies exclusively within Allegheny County, and beyond downtown, the differences between the city's North Side, South Side, and East End are slight, yet far from glaring.

For example, any visitor will acknowledge the differences between North and South Sides of Chicago. However, the layperson may be blindfolded and dropped into any section of Pittsburgh and remain unable to differentiate the South Side from the East End.

Also, the Three Rivers are spanned at numerous points at the City of Bridges. Hence, there is not one primary "one-way out" bottleneck that effectively doubles as prime real estate for expensive gas. Beyond the I-376 / Ft. Pitt - Turnpike connection, traffic flow is largely uninhibited throughout Pittsburgh.

Lastly, Harrisburg levies the 32.3-cent tax on all retail gasoline sold in Pennsylvania. Contrary to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh drivers do not have the option of crossing any state lines to shirk these taxes and secure cheaper gas.

This article will explore the cheap gas equation from both ends of the spectrum at Pittsburgh. We will begin by exposing the areas of Allegheny County to avoid and close by identifying viable pockets of cheap gas to buy in Western Pennsylvania.

Where NOT to Buy Gas in Pittsburgh

Do not buy gas in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.

The expensive gas offerings at Wilkinsburg are curious, considering the fact that Wilkinsburg and the neighboring Homewood section of Pittsburgh are notorious for industrial decay and crime. I must speculate that the high prices are a function of the confluence of PA 8 and I-376 into the area.

Wilkinsburg will always represent a crossroads for Pittsburgh traffic between the Allegheny Valley and Eastern Seaboard via the Pennsylvania Turnpike - Monroeville entrance.

Today, Citgo is flashing $2.61 for 87-octane at PA 8 and Rebecca Avenue in Wilkinsburg, prior to the 376 exits. Interestingly, $2.61 is the lowest reading at Wilkinsburg, as Gulf and Shell (7530 Penn Avenue - Pittsburgh) are both respectively hawking $2.79 and $2.65 fare at opposite ends of the city.

Three Rivers motorists would be better served picking up 376 at Braddock Road and buying $2.59 gas at the Swissvale BP.

Further, gas prices drop in Monroeville at William Penn Highway approaching the Turnpike. GetGo and Sunoco post $2.53 in Monroeville, which is towards the lower end of the Allegheny County gas price continuum.

Pittsburgh veterans will note that gasoline costs typically remain within one tight $2.50 - $2.60 band throughout the Three Rivers. I would not recommend grappling with Pittsburgh's hilly terrain and enduring additional wear and tear upon your vehicle to save $1.50 at the pump.

I must also caution against hitting the I-76 / Pennsylvania Turnpike specifically to buy cheap gas. Certainly, the toll structure along this route will destroy any gasoline money "savings."

Furthermore, Interstate traffic must not exit the Turnpike for cheap gas.

The Homestead Costco is peddling $2.46 gas, but drivers must make the call to determine weather the $50 Costco membership is actually worth the trouble.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh drivers will shun buying gas in Wilkinsburg, grin and bear it at The Three Rivers, take down a Costco membership, or hit the road north of Alleghany County for cheap gas.

Specifically, affordable fuel is always for sale in Butler County's Harmony and Zelienople, off I-79.

Do not use the Pennsylvania Turnpike to access 79 at Cranberry. Turnpike tolls are $1.25, $1.90, $2.50, and $3.45 between Butler Valley (PA 8), Allegheny Valley (PA 28), Pittsburgh (I-376), and Irwin (U.S. 30) for passenger vehicles to Cranberry.

Per Interstate travelers, the one-time I-76 toll between the Ohio border and Breezewood is $10. However, two separate charges to exit and re-enter the Penna. Turnpike at Cranberry and Breezewood total $13.75.

Again, Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls will always destroy any cheap gas "savings."

Pittsburgh drivers will take free combinations of I-79 and 279 into Butler County, where regular unleaded breaks the $2.40 floor.

Steel City consumers should exit onto PA 528 / U.S. 19 or PA 68 for the affordable fuel that lines Route 19 / Perry Highway between Harmony and Zelienople. Exxon, BP, Bi - Lo, and Valero all control this stretch of road to pitch $2.39 gasoline.

I do recognize that navigating Greater Pittsburgh into Butler County may be a bit inefficient for the majority of Steel City consumers that operate within a world where time is money.

Still, the option is available for those northerly sections of Alleghany County that abut I-79 and I-279, or for Pennsylvanians making the connection to Erie.

Happy Trails.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sources:

The City of Pittsburgh, http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, http://www.pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/pa_gov/2966

Pittsburgh Gas Prices, http://www.pittsburghgasprices.com/

The Pennsylvania Turnpike, http://www.paturnpike.com/