Gasoline Prices Largely Beyond Station Control

Experts say price fluctuations are driven by volatile global oil and gas markets, not individual retailers' profit motives.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:09pm

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The near-daily changes in U.S. gas prices are frustrating drivers, with the national average topping $4 per gallon. Experts say these price differences are not typically decided by individual gas retailers, who are facing rising wholesale fuel costs, credit card fees, and maintenance expenses that are squeezing their already tight profit margins.

Why it matters

The volatility in gas prices is taking a toll on consumers, forcing them to cut back on spending in other areas. While gas station owners are bearing the brunt of customer frustration, they have little control over the larger market forces driving these price swings.

The details

Lonnie McQuirter, director of operations at 36 Lyn Refuel Station in south Minneapolis, says his margins have gotten much tighter. He prices his gas based on what he can buy fuel for and his operating costs, which have risen due to higher wholesale fuel prices, credit card fees, and pump maintenance. McQuirter says small operators like him are more driven by emotion than greed when prices spike, as they have to look their customers in the eye every day.

  • On Tuesday, the U.S. average for a gallon of gas topped $4, according to AAA.
  • On Wednesday, 36 Lyn Refuel Station in Minneapolis posted $3.399 per gallon for regular gas, about 18 cents lower than the metro average.

The players

Lonnie McQuirter

The director of operations at 36 Lyn Refuel Station in south Minneapolis, a neighborhood convenience store.

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What they’re saying

“We price based on what we're able to buy fuel at, and how well we can operate.”

— Lonnie McQuirter, Director of Operations

“It really takes a toll when people are having to cut back on certain things in order to afford to live.”

— Lonnie McQuirter, Director of Operations

The takeaway

The volatility in gas prices is driven by global market forces largely beyond the control of individual gas station owners, who are struggling to keep prices affordable for customers while maintaining their own tight profit margins.