Tribal gas stations offer a reprieve from high prices during Iran war

Tribal gas stations offer a reprieve from high prices during Iran warBy MEAD GRUVERAssociated PressThe Associated PressFORT COLLINS, Colo.Gas prices are still rising due to the Iran war but drivers are saving by fueling up at tribally owned gas stations. Especially in California, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma and Washington state, tribes exempt from state fuel taxes offer much lower prices than gas stations nearby. Apps such as Gas Buddy make finding such stations easy. Nationwide, average prices are up more than $1 a gallon since the war began but some tribally owned gas stations offer savings of 50 cents or more. As with other convenience stores, the real profits aren’t in gasoline but selling snacks and, on many reservations, getting drivers to gamble in casinos.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Junelle Lewis was on the hunt for a reprieve from Seattle-area gas prices driven high by the Iran war when an app on her phone gave her the answer: the Tulalip Reservation north of the city, almost half an hour from her home.

She didn’t hesitate.

“I purposely drove here just for the gas,” Lewis said while filling up her Chevrolet Suburban at the Tulalip Market this week for $4.84 a gallon (3.8 liters) — about 75 cents less than prices near home. “Gas is ridiculous. But I have found, honestly, over the years, this gas station specifically is cheaper than a lot around here. Probably the cheapest.”…

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