Premium fuel surcharge? 40% in Chicago area

Mako · 12-07-2015, 11:30 AM

So has anyone else noticed this, is it just the Chicago area? where I live its now common to see a $0.80 surcharge for premium over regular fuel. So while regular is $2.00/gallon, premium is $2.80, which is insane.

I remember when this used to be $0.10/upgrade level, then when gas went from $2/gallon to $4/gallon several years ago they raised this to a $0.20 surcharge per upgrade which stuck for a long time. Recently premium went from a $0.40 total upcharge to $0.45 and then as gas started dropping more rapidly in price the surcharge started going UP more which doesn't make any sense. Maybe someone can explain this to me, is it pure profit or is there actually something going on causing this increase?

Brosef · 12-07-2015, 11:39 AM

I've also noticed this disparity. my guess is that it's pure profit gouging.

gas prices in Illinois are brutal to begin with (particularly in downtown Chicago). the state tax on gas is one of the highest in the country. the extra scrape for premium just adds insult to injury.

///M/// · 12-07-2015, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mako

So has anyone else noticed this, is it just the Chicago area? where I live its now common to see a $0.80 surcharge for premium over regular fuel. So while regular is $2.00/gallon, premium is $2.80, which is insane.

I remember when this used to be $0.10/upgrade level, then when gas went from $2/gallon to $4/gallon several years ago they raised this to a $0.20 surcharge per upgrade which stuck for a long time. Recently premium went from a $0.40 total upcharge to $0.45 and then as gas started dropping more rapidly in price the surcharge started going UP more which doesn't make any sense. Maybe someone can explain this to me, is it pure profit or is there actually something going on causing this increase?

Yes, in my area (near philly) 87 Oct is $2.19 and 93 oct is $2.89-$2.99.

For as long as I can remember the difference used to be around 0.50 cents between 87 and 93. Now it's upwards of 0.75 cents

X2Board · 12-07-2015, 11:41 AM

It's a 30 to 40 cent difference, in the Raleigh, NC area.

Jaymax85 · 12-07-2015, 11:43 AM

i lve in elmhurst..dupage county its like 1.80 for regular

nicknaz · 12-07-2015, 11:49 AM

At a local Costco in socal it was 2.46 for 87 and 2.67 for 91 (8% upcharge) which is what I expect (different story as to whether CA 91 octane should be considered "premium")

Costco is now "top tier" gas, so maybe try going there?

Never Convicted · 12-07-2015, 12:38 PM

Hey, Chicago cops need to buy bullets to keep you safe.

brian30tw · 12-07-2015, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicknaz

At a local Costco in socal it was 2.46 for 87 and 2.67 for 91 (8% upcharge) which is what I expect (different story as to whether CA 91 octane should be considered "premium")

Costco is now "top tier" gas, so maybe try going there?

The phenomenon the OP points out in Chicago is also true at Costco, where I get my gas.

vstM3 · 12-07-2015, 12:57 PM

I suspect profits, not to mention what owners of some gas stations are adding water or other things to the tanks. So your 93 octane might not be as pure as you think

buy regular instead, it is sometimes better than what you think you are buying.

nicknaz · 12-07-2015, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstM3

buy regular instead, it is sometimes better than what you think you are buying.

So, despite the 91 octane minimum / 93 recommended label, buy 87 octane?

gtron · 12-07-2015, 04:01 PM

i don't miss chicago.

i remember a block on the north side that they would give every car tickets and just play the numbers. meaning, not everyone would dispute the ticket and just pay the $50-100 fine. it was like free quota for parking cops and free money for the city. win-win for them.

i miss the wonderful food but not getting fat on the food.

Axius · 12-07-2015, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X2Board

It's a 30 to 40 cent difference, in the Raleigh, NC area.

That's why I get my gas out by work, $1.85 today, it was regular for the rental, but still.

FL335 · 12-07-2015, 04:11 PM

$2.33 for 93 today....

bmw246 · 12-07-2015, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mako

So has anyone else noticed this, is it just the Chicago area? where I live its now common to see a $0.80 surcharge for premium over regular fuel. So while regular is $2.00/gallon, premium is $2.80, which is insane.

I remember when this used to be $0.10/upgrade level, then when gas went from $2/gallon to $4/gallon several years ago they raised this to a $0.20 surcharge per upgrade which stuck for a long time. Recently premium went from a $0.40 total upcharge to $0.45 and then as gas started dropping more rapidly in price the surcharge started going UP more which doesn't make any sense. Maybe someone can explain this to me, is it pure profit or is there actually something going on causing this increase?

I started driving BMWs and using premium about 5 years ago and the difference (in Buffalo Grove if you're familiar OP) was 20 cents. Slowly has crept up to now 60 cent difference! In 5 years... I'm happy to pay for the gas for the cars I love but I am not happy when I'm being price gouged just because they can...

UncleWede · 12-07-2015, 04:30 PM

There is a very simple, one-2-one relationship for crude oil and gas prices:

When crude prices go up, gas prices go up

When crude prices go DOWN, gas prices go up.

See, simple.

SMV_M4 · 12-07-2015, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleWede

There is a very simple, one-2-one relationship for crude oil and gas prices:

When crude prices go up, gas prices go up

When crude prices go DOWN, gas prices go up.

See, simple.

This literally made me spit coffee all over my computer screen at work. Fucking hilarious!!

SMV_M4 · 12-07-2015, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleWede

There is a very simple, one-2-one relationship for crude oil and gas prices:

When crude prices go up, gas prices go up

When crude prices go DOWN, gas prices go up.

See, simple.

Also, I see you are from Oxnard. Have you ever been busted by that traffic cop I've seen on police shows known as "The Hammer." Prick gave his own mother a speeding ticket.

UncleWede · 12-07-2015, 05:30 PM

I've had 2 speeding tickets in my life, both issued by CHP. I know some of the top dogs over at Oxnard because we all went to school together, but The Hammer doesn't ring a bell.

I remember YEARS ago being a kid in the back seat and always looking over my dad's shoulder to see how he was driving, how fast, never could figure out how he did the high beams. One night he got pulled over and the cop tried to say he was going X, but I chirped up from the back seat he was going much less. The officer didn't write dad the ticket. Seemed this officer had a rep for pulling over single ladies and later dating them . . . so I saved my dad from THAT too

M_Six · 12-07-2015, 06:43 PM

I've seen a 50 cent/gal premium here, but some stations are closer to 40. Regular is $1.70, so premium is about $2.10. I'll take that happily. I had about 4 gallons in my C300 this weekend and filled it for $25. My monthly fill-up now.

Sure beats the $600/month I was blowing through when I had the X5 and worked an hour away.

MrPrena · 12-07-2015, 08:49 PM

Our gas reg is 1.71 but avg is probably about 1.90ish.
I think out petroleum price reflect to west Texas more.

So, relative to south, we probably pay 10% prem?

miiipilot · 12-08-2015, 10:45 AM

Another tax on the "wealthy."
Premium cars require premium gas.

I have seen a .40-.90 disparity from 87-91 in my area. Yes, it used to be .10 difference per level here too.

I have a corolla now until my next car (M2/M3/ATS-V), then I'll have to find a different gas station cause I was tired of hearing about warranty issues from my SA with my 135 b/c of sub-standard gas from Get-Go.

Alfisti · 12-08-2015, 12:39 PM

I have noticed it here too, an insane gap. my next car will not drink premium and I only do 6000 miles a year, it just bugs the shit outta me.

12-07-2015, 11:30 AM	#1
Mako (Sold) '00 M Roadster '06 M Coupe '16 M3 '20 X3MC 1549 Rep 2,588 Posts Drives: '23 M3 comp Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs iTrader: (0)	Premium fuel surcharge? 40% in Chicago area So has anyone else noticed this, is it just the Chicago area? where I live its now common to see a $0.80 surcharge for premium over regular fuel. So while regular is $2.00/gallon, premium is $2.80, which is insane. I remember when this used to be $0.10/upgrade level, then when gas went from $2/gallon to $4/gallon several years ago they raised this to a $0.20 surcharge per upgrade which stuck for a long time. Recently premium went from a $0.40 total upcharge to $0.45 and then as gas started dropping more rapidly in price the surcharge started going UP more which doesn't make any sense. Maybe someone can explain this to me, is it pure profit or is there actually something going on causing this increase?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-07-2015, 11:39 AM	#2
Brosef Brigadier General 876 Rep 3,450 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (4)	I've also noticed this disparity. my guess is that it's pure profit gouging. gas prices in Illinois are brutal to begin with (particularly in downtown Chicago). the state tax on gas is one of the highest in the country. the extra scrape for premium just adds insult to injury.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 11:41 AM	#4
X2Board Lieutenant Colonel 444 Rep 1,643 Posts Drives: I'm back, bitches! '13 E92 ZCP Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Wake Forest, NC iTrader: (1)	It's a 30 to 40 cent difference, in the Raleigh, NC area. __________________ 2013 Jerez Black/Black E92 ZCP DCT - I'm back!! 2014 Guards Red 991 C2S 7MT - Gone. 2015 YMB/SS F80 M3 6sp - Gone 2011 Sapphire Black/Black E70 X5 M - Gone. 2010 Jerez Black/Black E90 M3 DCT -Gone-
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 11:43 AM	#5
Jaymax85 Addicted to Speed. 711 Rep 2,375 Posts Drives: m3 zcp, macan GTS, f15 x5 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: 'Murica iTrader: (5)	i lve in elmhurst..dupage county its like 1.80 for regular __________________ 2017 991.2s 2015 F15 35i 2017 Macan gts
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 11:49 AM	#6
nicknaz Lieutenant General 3187 Rep 10,509 Posts Drives: C6Z Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	At a local Costco in socal it was 2.46 for 87 and 2.67 for 91 (8% upcharge) which is what I expect (different story as to whether CA 91 octane should be considered "premium") Costco is now "top tier" gas, so maybe try going there?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 12:38 PM	#7
Never Convicted Lieutenant Colonel 1108 Rep 1,497 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Charlotte NC iTrader: (0)	Hey, Chicago cops need to buy bullets to keep you safe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 12:57 PM	#9
vstM3 First Lieutenant 84 Rep 382 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 M3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: USA---Midwest iTrader: (0)	I suspect profits, not to mention what owners of some gas stations are adding water or other things to the tanks. So your 93 octane might not be as pure as you think buy regular instead, it is sometimes better than what you think you are buying. __________________ Current: 2015 BMW F80 M3 Retired: 2012 BMW 335is Other: 2014 Mini Cooper
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 04:01 PM	#11
gtron powerhouse 708 Rep 1,628 Posts Drives: 2014 Porsche 981 CS Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 Mercedes C450 AMG [10.00] 2016 Lexus RC 200t [0.00] 2014 Porsche [9.50] 2012 550i M-Sport [7.86]	i don't miss chicago. i remember a block on the north side that they would give every car tickets and just play the numbers. meaning, not everyone would dispute the ticket and just pay the $50-100 fine. it was like free quota for parking cops and free money for the city. win-win for them. i miss the wonderful food but not getting fat on the food. __________________ no signature. except for this one.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 04:11 PM	#13
FL335 Banned 85 Rep 707 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida Beaches iTrader: (0)	$2.33 for 93 today....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 04:30 PM	#15
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17980 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	There is a very simple, one-2-one relationship for crude oil and gas prices: When crude prices go up, gas prices go up When crude prices go DOWN, gas prices go up. See, simple.
	Appreciate 2 Quote

12-07-2015, 05:30 PM	#18
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17980 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	I've had 2 speeding tickets in my life, both issued by CHP. I know some of the top dogs over at Oxnard because we all went to school together, but The Hammer doesn't ring a bell. I remember YEARS ago being a kid in the back seat and always looking over my dad's shoulder to see how he was driving, how fast, never could figure out how he did the high beams. One night he got pulled over and the cop tried to say he was going X, but I chirped up from the back seat he was going much less. The officer didn't write dad the ticket. Seemed this officer had a rep for pulling over single ladies and later dating them . . . so I saved my dad from THAT too
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 06:43 PM	#19
M_Six Free Thinker 16892 Rep 7,454 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	I've seen a 50 cent/gal premium here, but some stations are closer to 40. Regular is $1.70, so premium is about $2.10. I'll take that happily. I had about 4 gallons in my C300 this weekend and filled it for $25. My monthly fill-up now. Sure beats the $600/month I was blowing through when I had the X5 and worked an hour away. __________________ Mark markj.pics "There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass." -UncleWede
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2015, 08:49 PM	#20
MrPrena Captain 1588 Rep 803 Posts Drives: BMW Hyundai Nissan Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: TB iTrader: (0)	Our gas reg is 1.71 but avg is probably about 1.90ish. I think out petroleum price reflect to west Texas more. So, relative to south, we probably pay 10% prem?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2015, 10:45 AM	#21
miiipilot Lieutenant Colonel 519 Rep 1,501 Posts Drives: 2024 M2 Brooklyn Grey 6mt Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (0)	Another tax on the "wealthy." Premium cars require premium gas. I have seen a .40-.90 disparity from 87-91 in my area. Yes, it used to be .10 difference per level here too. I have a corolla now until my next car (M2/M3/ATS-V), then I'll have to find a different gas station cause I was tired of hearing about warranty issues from my SA with my 135 b/c of sub-standard gas from Get-Go. __________________ miiipilot '24 M2 Brooklyn Grey, 6mt, Bi-Color, Black M-Color seats, '16 MG M2, DCT, Exec. Took Delivery 4/30/16 (Sold)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2015, 12:39 PM	#22
Alfisti Brigadier General 6503 Rep 3,032 Posts Drives: 2008 Saab 9-3 Combi Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	I have noticed it here too, an insane gap. my next car will not drink premium and I only do 6000 miles a year, it just bugs the shit outta me.
	Appreciate 0 Quote