Here's something unexpected about the rising price of gasoline: old mechanical pumps were designed during the time when $4 per gallon was simply unthinkable, so the rotary dials didn't have gears to go beyond $3.99 a gallon!
Like a lot of small-scale entrepreneurs, Cathy Osborne worries that she'll go out of business if fuel prices rise above $4 a gallon. Not because she won't be able to buy gas at that price, but because she won't be able to sell it.
The old mechanical gas pumps with scrolling dials at her country store in Fauquier County lack the gears to go beyond $3.99 a gallon. State inspectors shut down her diesel pump several months ago when the fuel topped the $4 mark, so now all that's left are two pumps dispensing 87-octane gasoline, set at $3.75 -- and climbing.
Link - Thanks Phoenix Kate!
Comments (17)
Nothing to see here, move along.
And the cheapest gas I can find up here is about $4.69 US a gallon (equivalent).
MikeH: The place mentioned in the story is the only gas station for 20 miles, as are most stations where this is a problem. Capitalism has little effect.
The pumps do need refitted. A cheap way would be to remark the 10th/cent roller to be the cent roller, since the 10th/cent place always seems to be set to 9, and set the read value/gallon to 1/10th.
She could just level her price at $3.999, especially if its the only station in miles - Rising oil prices do not have to equal ridiculously high gas prices. If its unprofitable, invest in new pumps or stop selling gas.
IDK how much gas stations spend on gas but Im sure theyre not selling it for even money