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Consumer Affairs

Walmart Cuts Gas Prices By 10 Cents A Gallon

But must be purchased using store cards

06/29/2011 | By | ConsumerAffairs.com | Automotive

PhotoWalmart has announced that, if your neighborhood gas station isn't dropping the price of gas fast enough, it will. The retailer says its stores in 18 states that operate gas pumps will cut fuel prices by 10 cents a gallon.

The price rollback will last for 90 days, the retailer said.

"Our customers have told us that high gas prices are a top budget concern, nearly as large an expense to their households as food and groceries," said Stephen Quinn, Walmart's chief marketing officer. "We listen to our customers and because we know they are feeling squeezed by gas prices, we're implementing this gas Rollback to help them save, especially during high travel summer months."

Must use a Walmart card

However, there is a requirement in order to receive the gas discount. While no other purchase is necessary, the discount only applies to gas purchases made when using a reloadable Walmart gift card, reloadable Walmart MoneyCard or Walmart credit card from  today through September 30, 2011.

The move comes about two months after the national average gas price peaked at just under $4 a gallon. Today's national average price for self-serve regular is $3.543 a gallon, according to AAA.

Feeling customers' pain

Walmart has made no secret that its business has suffered as the price of gasoline has risen. Its customer base is particularly vulnerable to unexpected increases in the cost of living. The retailer noted in April that its sales fell markedly at the end of each month as consumers' money began to run out.

Walmart said its stores in the following states are participating:

  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia

Walmart, of course, made its name offering lower prices on everyday, in-demand consumer products. It pioneered the concept of selling some generic prescription drugs for $4, a practice that has now been adopted by several drug store chains. 

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