Not even gas stations have escaped the wrath of blame-game finger pointers this year as just another cause of higher prices at the pump. Fact is, more than 60% of stations are now owned and franchised by mom and pops or families. If these folks had to rely on the penny profits from fuel sales after paying the bills to stay in business, they’d be out of business. So, how do you increase more penny profits from fuel sales while staying price competitive? You give the people what they want.

Reese Energy Consulting today is following the latest news from Baytown, Texas, where right now you can tank up on Regular at Fuel Wise for $3.09 a gallon. Fuel Wise, a 5,000 sq ft convenience store that serves up the usual quick-gotta-go fare in addition to a restaurant and vape shop, includes a fueling station that carries Regular, Midgrade, Premium, Diesel, and now Ethanol-free blends. That last offering has sent daily sales off the charts in a big way. Houston-based Hyperfuels, which distributes high-performance racing fuels, converted the store’s E85 dispensers and began supplying premium ethanol-free gasoline last month predicting a 300% increase in daily sales. Those numbers have more than doubled to 650% and Fuel Wise no doubt hears Homer’s “Doh!” from the local competition.