Ever approach a Costco gas station, see the long lines and glumly pull away?
The big-box club in recent weeks finally did what members have sought for years: It expanded the time to pump gas.
Pumps are now open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. On the weekends, the pump times are 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 7:30 p.m. on Sundays. Previously, pumps closed at 8:30 p.m. on weekdays.
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The media-shy company announced the change on its Instagram account, where a lot of fans offered their thumbs-up. A few still took their chance to chide Costco for replacing their beloved churros with chocolate chip cookies.
Costco’s gas is usually priced lower than traditional gas stations. Its ability to buy in bulk and sell great quantities of gas daily mean it can sell all grades at lower prices.
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For example, on Tuesday a gallon of regular gas was $4.35 at Tustin and some south Orange County clubs, according to the Gas Buddy app. It was $3.99 in Garden Grove, $3.88 in Fullerton, $3.93 in Montclair, $3.89 in San Dimas and $3.99 in Highland. In Los Angeles County, gas prices at Costco were $3.89 to $4.09 in coastal cities.
Mobil and Shell prices near those Costcos were selling regular grade gas from $4.20 up to $4.79 (and higher). Deals could be found at Arco and some smaller chain gas stations.
More on shopping: Egg prices hit $9 a dozen in California
Those who ditched their Costco card in recent years might be surprised to find the club has increased its membership prices, introduced warehouse entrance scanners to stamp out membership sharing, changed its paper supplier (think: angry moms and a new diaper vendor) and made updates to its food court.
One thing that has kept members happy in these high-food cost days: Two dozen eggs at Costco are still much cheaper than many traditional grocery stores, running $8 for two dozen.
Also see: Not a Costco member? Shoppers offer ways you can skip entry scanners
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