Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina gas prices typically stand one shade beneath the prevailing fuel cost figures of the Nation at-large. U.S. gasoline prices increase the further that one travels away from the Gulf of Mexico as a function of access to crude oil, refining capacity, and ground transportation. Of course, sales and gas taxes at the local level are the final pieces of the puzzle.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, retail gasoline prices calculate out to $2.691, as of June 22, 2009. Lower Atlantic states, which span the Southeast from Florida to West Virginia, are currently flashing a reading of $2.636.

Still, North Carolina prices will be supported by recent gas tax legislation that has been deemed unfriendly to motorists. On June 8, 2009, Raleigh lawmakers implemented a gas tax floor of 29.9 cents per gallon that is set to expire at mid 2011. The North Carolina gas tax is adjusted two times per year in accordance with wholesale gasoline prices.

North Carolina statesmen have indicated that the already paltry road construction kitty must not be forced to face even larger budget gaps in the event of plunging petroleum values.

Lower to middle income Tar Heels have expressed outrage over the measures.

Of course, "cheap gas" is a relative term and Californians that fork over $3 per gallon would balk at these complaints. Raleigh gas prices average $2.651 at the time of this writing, which is quite comparable to the aforementioned U.S. statistics.

The Raleigh landscape does avail motorists to a plethora of cheap gas options. This guide will seek to analyze the two extremes of the spectrum. We will begin by presenting the most expensive areas to buy gas in Raleigh and close by exploring the viable options to said service stations.

Yes, driving to Goldsboro in search of cheap gas would be penny-wise and pound-foolish.

Where NOT to Buy Gas in Raleigh

Interestingly, North Raleigh at the Beltline and Apex are the most expensive areas to buy gas. Gas prices are actually cheaper inside the Beltline towards the State Capitol.

We do recognize the fact that North Raleigh is a tonier section of town and the proximity to the heavily trafficked I-440 Beltline will only exacerbate the wealth effect. However, the high prices at Apex, NC are quite puzzling.

Apex is classified as the middle-income, bedroom community that is actually beyond Cary in terms of Raleigh - Durham geography. I must speculate that the "one-way-out" roadway network, which features U.S. 64 as the only surface level thoroughfare towards the Raleigh population center, is the true culprit behind these excessive prices.

Separately, U.S. 64 at Apex and the North Raleigh Beltline are death traps for expensive gasoline. The prevailing figure stands at $2.69 at the time of this writing. The $2.69 mark is the highest of the Raleigh - Durham area, outside of Chapel Hill's $2.70+ at East Franklin Street and U.S. 15-501.

Big Oil Exxons, Mobils, and BPs, which line U.S. 64 and Highway 55 - Williams Street through Apex are all posting $2.69. The $2.69 zone for expensive North Raleigh gas spans the rectangular box of Beltline junctions at Six Forks and Falls of Neuse (Wake Forest Road) and runs north to Strickland Road.

Raleigh - Durham drivers must avoid buying gas at Apex and North Raleigh towards Strickland.

The Cary Shell is a viable alternative to Apex gas. This service station is located at 1921 High House Rod at Davis Drive, which is directly north of Apex. Although the area does not offer direct access to U.S. 1 - 64, motorists should take the time to commit to this short trip and fill up. The Cary Shell is currently moving regular unleaded gasoline for $2.57.

North Raleigh residents may consider applying for a Costco membership. The Costco at 2838 Wake Forest Road, just inside the Beltline, peddles gas for $2.52. Of course, I would not recommend taking down the $50 application fee simply for the sake of buying gas.

Raleigh motorists will discover cheaper gas prices at U.S. 70 - Glenwood Avenue / Raleigh - Durham Highway and towards the northerly I-540 exits. Gas is moving for $2.58 - $2.63 at Glenwood from downtown to Lynn Road at BP, Citgo, and Circle K.

The I-540 junctions at Leesville Road and Creedmoor are also signaling competitive $2.64 rates for gas.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Raleigh

U.S 70 - 401 and NC 50 - Saunders towards Garner and U.S. 64 Business - New Bern Avenue east of the Beltline into Zebulon represent Raleigh's veritable Cheap Gasoline Alleys. Cheap gas remains very well in abundance amidst these lightly populated and emerging fringe zones of Raleigh - Durham. Motorists will be treated to low prices ranging from $2.50 - $2.55 at the time of this writing.

Upstart wholesalers such as Murphy USA, Sheetz, and Shop 'N Go, along with Big Oil franchisees from Exxon to British Petroleum, patrol the two corridors. The crushing competition is apparent by the blatant jockeying of these service stations to under sell the next guy and earn business.

Of course, "cheap gas" at East Raleigh into Knightdale and Zebulon may degenerate towards the crazy-talk of old timers in due time. The I-540 belt has been recently completed into the area to link up with the 64 - 264 bypass. Expect rapid growth and demand to eliminate Raleigh's Mecca for cheap gas in due time.

Sigh.

Well, at least Kangaroo Express will always serve as the proper cheap gas haven available to frazzled Raleigh - Durham motorists. Kangaroo Express service stations line Raleigh's northern and western perimeter. The shop at 3128 Capital Boulevard is currently retailing gasoline for $2.55 and would be the most convenient location.

Happy Trails.

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

Raleigh Gas Prices, http://www.raleighgasprices.com/

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

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