Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Prince George's County, Maryland

Prince George's County, Maryland has long been hailed as the wealthiest, predominately African - American county in the United States of America. Despite the accolades, older sections of PG County continue to carry a reputation for lawlessness, murder, and drug trafficking. Marylanders must learn to differentiate the leafy cul de sacs and gated communities from the working class subdivisions of Prince George's in order to purchase cheap gas. Certainly, gas prices always spike amidst areas that double as prime real estate.

Prince George's County, Maryland gas prices share a close relationship with Washington, D.C. Today, DC gas prices average $2.499, which squares with the U.S. Department of Energy's $2.463 National reading.

Although Prince George's and DC are obviously ruled by disparate gas tax authorities, Washingtonians will note insignificant variance in terms of prices at the pump between the two municipalities. Northeast and Southeast DC prices seemingly "melt" into the Maryland suburbs.

Northern Virginia does offer the lowest gas prices in the DMV as a consequence of Richmond's rock bottom fuel tax legislation. However, merging onto the ridiculously congested I-95 / 495 Capital Beltway and spanning the Woodrow Wilson Bridge into Virginia to save three bucks worth of gas money would be pure madness.

Marylanders are best served to "grin and bear it," and selectively choose which affordable service stations to patronize within the Free State.

This guide explores the cheap gas proposal from opposing ends of the spectrum. Our article begins by exposing the most expensive areas to purchase fuel within Prince George's County, prior to closing with a presentation of viable alternatives to said locations.

I do recognize that gas prices remain volatile from day-to-day. However, certain principals and patterns will stand the test of time. "Cheap gas" is a relative term that translates into "less expensive than the next guy," and areas of cheap gas today will remain "cheap" into the future because of these relationships.

Where Not to Buy Gas in Prince Georges County, Maryland

With rare exceptions, gas prices spike outside of the Capital Beltway.

The idea of prices becoming more expensive away from the city is contrary to prevailing logic. However, Maryland residents will recognize the fact that the older and working class sections of Prince George's remain inside the Beltway and abut the DC border.

Meanwhile, the ritzier enclaves and palatial estates of this county have developed at Largo, Upper Marlboro, and Fort Washington beyond the Outer Loop. Gas prices will spike at these renowned playgrounds for the Black elite.

The terms "Georgia Avenue," "270," and "Beltway" always carry separate connotations throughout suburban Maryland, and these barriers also translate into disparate gas price action at the register.

For example, Shell, 7-11, and XtraMart peddle cheap gas for $2.33 at MD 193 - Greenbelt Road inside the Beltway. Magically, prices spike to $2.45 after the Kenilworth Avenue and Beltway exits at the BP and Sunoco immediately across I-95 / 495.

The action is similar along all major roads and radial highways emanating from the District into PG. The Fort Washington Shell at 8005 Indian Head Highway (MD 210) currently pumps unleaded fuel for $2.55 and typically marks PG's highest priced gas station.

The Camp Springs Shell undercuts this Outer Loop competition and flashes $2.39 for 87-octane at MD 5 - Branch Avenue and Auth Road inside the Beltway.

Marylanders commuting between Prince George's and Washington must always stop and buy gas prior to all Beltway junctions. Prices shift between $2.30 - $2.35 within these older suburbs.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Prince Georges County, Maryland

I do feel that PG County's reputation for mayhem is largely illusory. Yes, the older suburbs do share borders with the more notorious sections of Southeast and Northeast, which are harbingers for DC - MD crime.

However, motorists using common sense will not fall prey to senseless violence by patronizing the well-lit establishments of Hyattsville, Riverdale, and Marlow Heights. Per suburban Maryland, gas is particularly cheap east of Georgia Avenue and inside the Capital Beltway.

The price action is especially convenient, considering the fact that Marylanders most often commute to jobs in the District or take the Beltway to the various corporate centers at the 270 / 355 Technology Corridor or Northern Virginia.

Appropriately named Lowest Price maintains its presence at MD 193 - University Boulevard and 23^rd Avenue in Adelphi to hawk cheap gas for $2.31.

Still, Route 1 is Prince George's County's most viable thoroughfare for cheap gas both inside and outside the Beltway. U.S. 1 enters the county from Northeast DC, skirts the University of Maryland campus and parallels I-95 to Baltimore.

Gas is cheap at College Park, Beltsville, and Laurel.

Shell posts $2.31 at Route 1 and Montgomery Road in Beltsville, which compares favorably to the $2.33 readings centered upon U.S. 1 - Baltimore Avenue and University Boulevard in College Park.

Further north, Exxon flashes $2.27 at Route 1 and Cherry Lane in Laurel.

Of course, Maryland favorite Freestate also operates out of this suburban outpost for cheap gas. Freestate undercuts all comers with $2.25 for regular unleaded at 949 Washington Boulevard South (Route 1) in Laurel.

Happy Trails.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Prince George's County, Maryland, Sources:

Kofi Bofah, Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Washington, D.C., http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1867159/where_to_buy_cheap_gas_in_washington.html?cat=27

Prince George's County, Maryland, http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/

The State of Maryland, http://www.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Maryland Gas Prices, http://www.marylandgasprices.com/