Gasoline prices where to buy OnPost (AAFES) or Off Post?

SFC Ricardo Ruiz — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 02:17:02 -0500

Soon after I purchase my first diesel vehicle I realised is a hit or miss on where to purchase fuel and save some money I have opted to purchase on base to not only save money but to help MWR.

Where you buy fuel?
Are you saving money or time?
Are you helping Army programs by doing so?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 2:23 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 02:23:32 -0500

I buy on base because with my military star card discount it's cheaper than in town

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Nov 5 at 2014 7:07 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 07:07:57 -0500

I normally buy on post for the 5 cent discount with Star card (like TSgt Private RallyPoint Member ). Also, they (AAFES) normally gives a 10 cent discount with Star Card several times a year (normally in conjunction with holiday weekends). Quite honestly, it's not ALWAYS the lowest price (even with the discount) but they are always competitive in their pricing and the profits do go to MWR.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 7:24 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 07:24:36 -0500

I like to buy on base, mainly because I would think that AAFES standards would be higher than the guy on the corner that sends money back home to his terrorist buddies. Also I have had some bad experiences with buying cheap gas at el cheapo (seriously a gas station name not trying to be racist) gas stations having water in their gas.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 7:32 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 07:32:51 -0500

I buy fuel (diesel for me too) at Sam's Club. I pay an annual fee to be a member of Sam's Club, but it's worth it. We shop there for some things, which is a savings, and fuel is just about always cheaper there than anywhere else in the area, including on post.

So I'm saving money, but I'm not helping the Army much.

Response by CW4 Robert Goldsmith made Nov 6 at 2014 11:11 AM

CW4 Robert Goldsmith — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:11:22 -0500

If you have a smart phone, download the GasBuddy App. You can look up and compare gas prices anywhere. I purchase mine at Sam's Club, which is usually 10 cents per gallon or more cheaper than AAFES, and much closer to where I reside. Also, consider this. How far will you commute for alleged gas savings? Do you have to deviate from a normal route of travel for work or leisure activities? The average passenger vehicle has about a 15-gallon gas tank. A difference in price of 5 cents per gallon is only a 75 cents savings. How much fuel will you burn and time will you waste to purchase gas that is less expensive? That is something to consider. Gas is consumable and proven that it will be purchased, regardless of its price, even when it was or is $4 per gallon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 11:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:57:09 -0500

Well, there are many things to do with purchasing gasoline.

First off, CW4 Robert Goldsmith beat me to it by mentioning the GasBuddy website and App. I HIGHLY recommend everyone doing both as it'll help you find great gasoline prices in the area. It will also help you in planning stops during driving trips and PCS moves.

Second, I also agree with buying gas from Sam's Club since it is usually a few cents cheaper.

Third, look into the discounts certain retailers give if you pay with their "gift cards" like Walmart. Just get a gift card, which is free and reloadable, then put something like $100 on it then use the card to fill up at a Walmart gas station. If you do so, it deducts 3-5 cents off the price of a gallon of gas. You have to do your research as to whether it's worth it or not. Another gas station down the road may be 5 cents cheaper (like Sam's) so it may not be worth it.

The last thing that can be done may be a bit extreme but it does work. Get yourself a few 5 gallon red gas cans (2-4 each) and fill them when you go to fill up the vehicle at the least expensive station, especially if it's a slight distance from the house. You can then store the gas cans and fill up yourself at the house. This is especially useful if you have a semi-gas guzzler like an older truck, SUV, or car. It may not be much but every dollar saved here and there does help.

One final note. If anyone needs help with an explanation of GasBuddy, send me a message and we can chat. I use it all the time and it has saved me quite a bit especially during very long trips. Probably about $30-$50 saved.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 1:08 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 01:08:46 -0500

Like CW5 Private RallyPoint Member stated, I do quite a bit of shopping at Sam's Club. Today's price.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 1:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 13:10:32 -0500

I get my gas from Costco. I visit Costco about once a week, if not more. Costco's gas is cheaper and better (according to the ad).

As for helping Army and Air Force programs, I would question how efficient the AAFES operation is. From a consumer perspective, AAFES's price isn't competitive compared to the retail, even with the advantage of being tax free. Maybe this belongs to another thread.