Fuels
Jacksons Food Stores has implemented a cardless fleet payments system from Piston across its 340+ convenience stores. The system replaces physical cards with secure mobile authorization, ties each transaction to a specific driver and vehicle for real-time spending visibility, and integrates with Jacksons' point of sale to prevent fraud. This follows Jacksons' recent loyalty platform revamp and coincides with its ExtraMile joint venture adding third-party delivery at 1,200 locations.
This week's 3 Big Numbers examines Verifone's report on fuel rewards stacking. Between May 29 and Sept. 10, 2.86 million transactions combined multiple loyalty programs, less than half a percent of the 590 million analyzed. Stacking users saved $2.52 per fill-up on average versus $1.81 for single-program users, though per-gallon savings were lower (9.6 cents vs. 15.7 cents). Total fuel rewards savings reached $82.8 million. Retailers may benefit from offering the right program, as only a quarter of customers connected a rewards account and only a third of those redeemed savings.
Walmart has added Citgo gas stations to its Walmart+ fuel savings program, allowing members to save 10 cents per gallon at over 17,000 stations nationwide, up from 13,000. The expansion focuses on the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast. Members can link their Walmart+ and Club Citgo accounts for additional discounts starting at 3 cents per gallon. The benefit is activated via the Walmart app and applied at participating Citgo stations. Walmart+ already offers discounts at Murphy USA, Walmart, Exxon, and Mobil locations, and members who fuel up weekly saved over $100 on average last year.
World Fuel has acquired approximately 33 branded dealer contracts in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area across Missouri and Illinois from CF Altitude. The locations operate under established fuel brands, and World Fuel aims to ensure a seamless transition. CF Altitude was previously identified as the parent company of Colorado-based retailer Alta Convenience, but the relationship's current status is unclear. World Fuel declined to comment on any connection to Alta or identify the fuel brands involved. The deal strengthens World Fuel's Midwest distribution network, according to Bob Kenyon, senior vice president of retail, wholesale and supply chain.
Par Pacific Holdings announced on Tuesday that it has agreed to sell its 46% non-controlling stake in Laramie Energy, a natural gas exploration and production company in western Colorado. The transaction stems from Laramie's agreement to sell most of its assets to an undisclosed buyer for $485 million. Par Pacific expects to receive approximately $146 million, with the potential for an additional earn-out payment of up to $30 million. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026.
Costco officially opened its first standalone gas station in late June in Mission Viejo, California. The 17,185-square-foot facility with 40 fueling positions is member-only and priced significantly below the local average, likely pressuring nearby convenience stores. A second standalone station is in development, but broader expansion plans remain unclear.
Several California residents have filed a lawsuit in federal court, accusing retailers such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, and BP of using an AI fuel pricing algorithm developed by Kalibrate to implement an "illegal algorithmic price-fixing scheme," causing gas prices in California to rise by an average of about 6 cents, with increases of up to 30 cents in some areas. The plaintiffs argue this violates California antitrust laws and Assembly Bill 325.
Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February, the Strait of Hormuz has remained restricted, affecting global energy supply and prices. Executives from six fuel and convenience store retail companies—BP, Global Partners, Murphy USA, Chevron, Sunoco, and Sinclair Oil—shared their perspectives on supply disruptions, low inventories, rising costs, and future uncertainty during Q1 earnings calls.
Although Kroger is renowned for food sales, it has quietly established a fueling empire that rivals top national convenience store chains. As of January 31, it operated 1,731 gas stations, exceeding well-known competitors such as Wawa, QuikTrip, and Murphy USA, and far surpassing other grocery chains. The fuel business is deeply integrated with membership programs, becoming a key tool for driving traffic and loyalty.
Gaubert Oil announced the signing of a letter of intent to acquire Buffalo Services' wholesale and transport division, including the unbranded commercial fuel distribution business and two fuel terminals. The transaction amount was not disclosed, and employee retention plans have been clarified.