Gus Odum, owner of the BP station on Langston Boulevard.
Gas prices have skyrocketed in recent weeks with the national average at $3.97 and over $5 in some places like California.
In Arlington at a local BP station on Langston Boulevard, the price on March 25 is $3.79 for regular gas at the pump, with the Washington Metro area averaging just over $4. A week ago the average was $3.84, and a month ago it was $2.90. Gus Odum, owner of the BP station for 14 years, says the price of gas has gone up by $1 a gallon since the Iran War began.
Odum explains the price of delivery to his station changes every day.
“The price we charge depends on the delivery date and how much profit we want to make. For instance, if the price is higher on the date I get delivery instead of the date the station next door gets delivery, it can get reflected in the price we charge even though we’re right next door.
“But I prefer to keep my price lower and depend on volume. I like to get customers here to take advantage of our body shop and the snack mart while they are waiting for their car inspection. That’s where I make my profit.”
Odum says during his 14 years he has seen big ups and downs in gas prices.
“Remember 2008 when gas was $4.50 a gallon, and during Covid I was selling gas for $1.99 a gallon.”