Outrage Over Credit Gas Prices at Local Pumps

If you insist on paying with plastic when you fill up your car, be prepared to pay $1 more per gallon at several Hauppauge area gas stations. 

Last Friday, Patch reported on a Smithtown Mobil gas station on Jericho Turnpike, at the Old Willets  Path, that is While the cash price is $3.88 per gallon for regular gasoline, the station's price increases to $4.78 per gallon for credit.

But the Smithtown Mobil isn't alone.  

Both the  and Mobil stations on Route 111/Wheeler Road where it crosses under the Long Island Expressway charge drivers $1 more for paying with plastic.

Multiple calls to the management offices of the Gulf gas station on Wheeler Road were not returned. 

A spokeswoman reached Friday for Long Island Gas Retailers Association said gas station owners have the right to set a different price for customers paying with debit/credit, instead of cash, and would not elaborate further.

Since then, multiple phone calls to LIGRA's offices for a further explanation of gasoline retail laws have gone unanswered. 

Meanwhile, comments on Patch have been tense.

"It is adding insult to injury during this ridiculously high high priced fuel price to begin with. It is outright highway robbery. Aren't they making enough on the gas alone?," wrote Tom Gross. 

Others commented that they avoid local gas stations who post two different price sets – one for customers paying with cash, the other for those who use credit/debit. 

"I too refuse to buy gas at stations that charge more for credit! It costs $50 or more to fill up my car, so I really don't like having so much cash on me. They also put the word cash so small to trick you into the station. I feel the law should be changed so the word cash is the same size as the price!," commented Karen Weindler. 

What's your take on the price difference?