GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — As gasoline prices continue to climb across the country, West Valley drivers are finding a rare oasis of relief at a local gas station.
According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Arizona is $4.52. In Maricopa County, the pain at the pump is even worse, with the average hitting $4.67 per gallon.
But at the Shell station located at the corner of 35th and Glendale avenues, drivers can consistently find fuel for under $4 a gallon. On Sunday, the station’s sign displayed $3.99 per gallon. Just three days prior, it was even cheaper at $3.79.
For many local drivers, the station is a closely guarded secret.
“I used to post it, but I don’t post it anymore,” driver Patricia Martinez said.
Another driver, Jessica Torres, agreed. “I’ve driven around a lot and I’ve never seen prices like this before.”
Despite long lines that can require up to a 30-minute wait, Torres said the savings make it worthwhile. Even those who live far away are making the trek. Goodnews Armatigoez, who lives on 16th Street, drives across town just to fill up his tank.
“I was like, whoa, you know I’ve been coming here for a few times now,” Armatigoez said. “I can’t explain it, but I’m excited. At least it saved me a couple of dollars in my pocket.”
To make it to the cheaper station, some drivers are rationing their fuel. Martinez said she put only $5 of gasoline in her tank at a nearby Circle K just to ensure she had enough fuel to make it to the Glendale Shell.
The high prices come as AAA reports this August is on track to set the record for the most expensive August ever at the pump. GasBuddy also reports that retail fuel prices are rising nationwide.
“In fact, over 40 states saw gas prices going up over the last week as oil prices put upward pressure on retail gas prices,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
While the Trump administration recently authorized an early switch to cheaper winter-blend gasoline, it remains unclear if Arizona drivers will see immediate relief.
“Arizona does have its own requirements, so it’s hard to know what Arizona is going to do if they’re going to allow the rollback to cheaper winter gasoline earlier or not,” DeHaan said.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump touted a new international agreement on social media, calling it “the biggest oil deal in world history.” The deal reportedly gives the U.S. majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of oil from Venezuelan reserves. However, some energy experts warn that the deal may not immediately budge fuel costs at the pump.
For drivers looking for alternative options under $4, membership-only warehouses like Costco and Sam’s Club offer lower rates, as does the Buc-ee’s location in Buckeye. But for West Valley commuters, the Glendale Shell remains a highly convenient and competitive option.
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