Business

Wal-Mart Stores Cutting Gas Prices for Three Months

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is cutting gas prices by 10 cents a gallon for three months to help consumers worried about their spending amid a sputtering economy and busy summer travel season.

“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,” Chief Marketing Officer Stephen Quinn said in a statement.

Wal-Mart is well aware that rising gas prices and other household costs are squeezing shoppers’ budgets, reporting at its annual shareholders meeting earlier this month that shoppers appear to be focusing on groceries and little else.

To help ease consumers’ worries, the world’s biggest retailer announced Wednesday that customers visiting participating Murphy USA and Walmart gas stations in 18 states through Sept. 30 will receive a discount on all fuel, gas and diesel purchases when they use a reloadable Walmart gift card, Walmart MoneyCard or a Walmart credit card.

Gas prices neared $4 a gallon in late April and early May, but have since fallen to a national average of $3.57 per gallon. Still, the government reported on Monday that Americans spent at the weakest pace in 20 months in May, a sign gas prices may be hurting the economic recovery.

www.walmartstores.com/gasrollback

Wal-Mart, which had fiscal 2011 sales of $419 billion, has 9,000 stores in 15 countries.

Comments (43)

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  • shirtsbyeric
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 10:18pm

    Why do libs hate Wal Mart? Their hero Bill Clinton open the door to China for them and his wife sat on the board of directors for 12 years.

    Report Post »  
  • busterpuddles
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 8:27pm

    In a 31 gallon tank it sure adds up. Thanks Wal-Mart.

    Report Post » busterpuddles  
  • HawkEyeTx
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:37pm

    Well, let’s see…..ever heard of “Lost Leader” pricing to at least get you to the store and buy some other “stuff” you may or may not need?
    Oh, I’ll buy fuel at the best price I can find.

    Wally World is offering 5 cents off a gallon IF you sign-up for their credit card thru GE Money….no I don’t remember the APR % rate….20 gallon fill-up at a 5¢ savings per gallon = $1…..Weeeee !

    Now if W-M would quit sell clothes and bath towels that fall apart and fuzz-up….I might just be happy again.

    Report Post » HawkEyeTx  
  • Firebrand
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:15pm

    First of all, I love Wal-mart. It’s a true American success story. It started as a single mom and pop shop and grew to the giant it is today. Hopefully it doesn’t unionize, if it hasn’t already. I haven’t looked it up, but if anyone has, let me know.

    I also wanted to add that if you sign up for Sam’s club ($40/yr) you already get a gas discount of about 8-10%. So if you spend $100 on gas per month, you save $8-10. This means you make your money back in 4 months, and start saving money after that. Final tally is $40-80 per year. In addition, you have Sam’s there, so you can stock up on necessities (in attempt to be prepared).

    I would not suggest buying paper goods or cokes (soda/pop for those outside of the south) as these are generally not any better of a deal at Sam’s. Also, auto maintenance and pharmacy discounts with membership. Get your company to go in on a group membership and the enrollment fee is even less. In case you’re wondering, I don’t work for Wal-mart or Sam’s club. Both of these stores are a very good idea for the discount hunter. The produce and meat sections are lacking, but here is where you can support local business and go to the farmer’s market or the mom and pop you like. Or you can grow your own food. We just got 20-25 lbs. of fresh produce from a relative. That’s what we do.

    Report Post » Firebrand  
  • Heitah
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 3:49pm

    This isn’t a news story this is a marketing campaign.

    Report Post » Heitah  
  • endgamer
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 3:54am

    In some states you can’t do that. That would be selling gas below cost. They only make 5 cents per gallon and in some states it’s illegal. This is why gas hovers around $4 a gallon as well because of credit card fees. If your credit card fees are 1.5% that would make it 1.5 Cents per dollar and at four dollars per gallon it would be 6 cents in discount fees PLUS a .35 cent fee for the transaction itself! So Gas is no big profit maker for the gas station owner. There is usually a discount for cash!

    Report Post » endgamer  
  • SovereignSoul
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 1:05am

    How much will they reduce employee’s pay to offset the losses they will incur for this program?

    Report Post » SovereignSoul  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:41pm

    Wow 10 cents.. whooooeeee! Yippee skippee! Walmart your so generous! What will 10 cents buy? Okay 10 x18 = $1.80 What will that buy? A dollar would have helped!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • k1darkknight
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:26pm

    For all those whining about Walmart “jacking up” prices, how do you think those products get from wherever they are manufactured/produced TO Walmart? Do you really think the product cases just ship themselves?

    NO! It takes TRUCKS, and LOTS of them!

    What do trucks run on? DIESEL, which almost always costs more per gallon than gas. When fuel prices go up, guess what? The cost of EVERYTHING goes up!!!

    So before you start complaining about Walmart prices going up, first look at similar items in other stores and see if those are going up. And second, pay attention to gas prices. If gas prices go up, and STAY up, the price of EVERYTHING ELSE goes up. (Now, to be fair, if gas prices spike, then drop back to previous averages, it doesn’t really affect retail prices. But I’m talking about long-term gas prices.)

    Report Post » k1darkknight  
  • Churk
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:21pm

    I think it’s great. I’ve been putting fuel in at Walmart gas stations (Murphy’s USA) for a while now and it’s been fine. We live a decent amount of time away from our families and we like to visit pretty regularly. Considering the miles we put on our vehicle and how most weeks we’re living on a few extra dollars, this really helps us. Granted it isn’t much, but for us every bit counts. Walmart fuel is already the cheapest in town so this is a really pleasant surprise for the summer.

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  • Sy Kosys
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:28pm

    (SHHHH!!! Don‘t tell the Regime that there’s capitalism afoot!)

    Report Post » Sy Kosys  
  • JGraham III
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:29am

    This is called a “lost leader”. Clever marketing Walmart! Just drop the price on something everyone needs, even if you lose $$$ on it and while people are rushing in to Walmart to get gas, they will suddenly think of something(s) else they need and go on in! Ring up another sale, Chucko!

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  • Mxenno
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 10:06pm

    We are sure they will make up the difference somewhere in the stores. Have seen a 50% increase in their store brand sour cream in under 5 months, along with big jumps in other items. Locally, (tri-state area in the Midwest) gas prices increased 49 cents a gallon in TWO days. I have never seen that big of a jump in such a short period of time. So if our local Wal-Mart drops 10 cents, they are still 39 cents ahead of Tuesday (6/28.) http://radicalsurvivalism.com

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  • numbers
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 4:40pm

    WalMart, this American company, has done more for Americans than our government during trying economic times. They have employed my kids when other companies wouldn’t give young new workers a chance. They seem to hire a certain percentage of handicapped as well. They make every effort to keep prices down and now gas prices too. It is the way America’s corporations were meant to work, mutual benefits between storekeeper and customer. I hope their profits go way up!

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  • Spqr1
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 4:23pm

    Every time they do this, it’s to eliminate all other competition. They lower prices, take a loss, other vendors go under, and then Walmart jacks the price up again. Saying this is to benefit consumers is, once again, the Right sucking up to and covering for an unethical corporation.

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    • jimp64
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 9:12pm

      What do they have to do for some people they keep the price the same you say they are greedy what about the little guy. They lower the price temporarily as a good will gesture they are greedy just trying to run the little guy out of business. I have news for you. The little guy can compete with them and any other big box it is with service and innovation. See the big guys do have an advantage on price that is just economics but they can be slow on trends and weak on service. The people at the bottom of the ladder rely on the Walmarts of the world to survive. When a smaller competitor wants to make a play it can’t be for this market as they have no choice but when you have a few extra bucks in your pocket and you want a little personal attention you look for the person or company that is willing and able to serve in creative and personal ways. There is room for everybody as long as the business model is effective and the company serves from their strengths.

      Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:06pm

      They are losing market share to Target, their competition. Not all WM’s have gas stations. And personally, I don’t like getting ripped off by the little mom an pop shops who buy their stuff from Costco. LOL

      Besides it’s about gas and who knows if the source is from shell, chevron or whoever. It’s not like WM has their own source of gas…they buy it from the bigs. Let them compete or at least help people out.

      Sometimes Winco has better prices…do your own due diligence when shopping. I don’t think WM is putting other coos out of business…or at least in WA state the smalls are still up and running.

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • ReggieMay
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 1:16pm

    Waiting for some state government to sue WalMart for price fixing.

    Report Post »  
    • Spqr1
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 4:24pm

      Pointless, Walmart can always buy more lawyers.

      Report Post »  
  • Sharon Rose
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 12:47pm

    Good for Wal-Mart! ! ! !

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 6:48am

    People who think nothing of spending a few dollars more for a piece of clothing, or at a restaurant, or to purchase an item they like better will drive a mile out of their way to save a nickle a gallon on gas. It’s a smart marketing move on their part. The real question is, when gas stays or uses $3.50 as a pricing floor, up well over a dollar a gallon, and people allow Obama to get away with that? They hounded Bush about high gas prices, but strangely silent this time.

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  • CREUSLY
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 6:23am

    The Murphy USA where I live here in Tx is up to 20 cents cheaper than the competition..then if you use a re-loadable card you get an extra 3 cents off..sooo..I‘m happy they’re doin’ this.. And yes it may only be a few dimes..but those dimes add up real quick.

    Report Post »  
  • StormyStitch
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 6:02am

    Note for Sam’s Club members: This discount CANNOT be used in conjunction with Sam’s Club member discount.

    http://www.walmart.com/cp/632402

    Report Post »  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 11:57pm

    at least THEY are doing something to TRY and help. do you see the government lowering the gas tax? NOOOOO

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • Conservative Warrior Princess
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 11:56pm

    I freakin’ love Wal-Mart. And I don’t care who knows it.

    Report Post » Conservative Warrior Princess  
  • psst
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:57pm

    Well, this is one more thing that will go in the union’s shopping baskets of grievances against WallyWorld.
    They’re gonna be blowing a gas-ket over this..faaaaart.no union worker will pull in for gas.

    Report Post »  
  • Carl1 Supports Israel
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:51pm

    WOW… I can save a few dimes. Got to go to wally world and buy my gas. NOT!!!!!

    Report Post » Carl1 Supports Israel  
    • jimwolfalaska
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 11:00pm

      It does not come from China !!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • righthook38
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:54pm

      I do it. They’re right by my house, and they’re usually the lowest price in town. And when other gas station prices go up, they wait several hours before raising theirs. It helps us and it’s a smart move for them, because they get the extra business. Works for me!

      Report Post »  
  • vennoye
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:46pm

    Hope this is some help to people having problems with higher gas prices! More than govt has done.

    Report Post » vennoye  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 1:44am

      GOOD JOB WALMART

      We don‘t need gov’t to solve our problems we need regular people to solve their own problems first then others as they come.

      But when it has to be solved by govt especially where they made the problem, let it be up to the Republicans to keep our freedoms. Did you see that Lieberman stepped over the isle and wrote a bill with Sen. Coburn(R) to fix Medicare. It has been endorsed by ATR (Americans For Tax Reform): http://tiny.cc/vid2b

      Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 3:59pm

      Intelligent business strategy – this will draw customers to their parking lot, which will drive customers into their stores and increase sales in the store, increasing profits.

      THAT’s the WalMart that Sam Walton founded and ran.

      I once met Sam in a small airport in Kentucky, where I was learning to fly.

      He was an old man, flying around in an OLD Cessna 310 (at least I recall it being a C310)
      His executives arrived later on another, larger plane.

      There is a story about Sam I will never forget – I think was in “Made in America” (his biography)

      Sam always flew his own small twin cessna. His execs flew in a small corporate jet, and had their own pilots. Sam’s small plane allowed him to fly into very small airports in rural communities where his stores were located. The story goes that Sam and his execs and their pilots had arrived at an airport and were preparing to drive to the local WalMart for a day’s business. When the car arrived, Sam turned to the pilots (of his exec’s plane) who were still sitting on the sofa, and asked why they weren’t getting up and coming along. They replied, “no, we will just sit here and wait til you all get back”. Sam told them not to bother, but to find another way home. He then told his execs they needed to get on the phone and find a new flight crew. They were all confused, but Sam explained, he did not pay anyone to “sit around and wait” – even the flight crew was expected to do SOMETHING at the store, but certainly not

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:49pm

      Hmmm interesting that you hear gas retailers only make 3-5% per gallon, but gas prices can fluctuate $.20 between stations on the same day in the same city. Good start now if the government can just figure out some other way to break the oligopoly oil companies have over the industry. Federal government should begin to build public refineries if the oil companies don’t increase gas production and we should have Iraq repay us by providing us with $50 a barrel oil for the next 10 years. Now that might shake the market up a bit.

      Report Post »  
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