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UPDATED: Gas For $2.94! Save Email Print
Posted: 4:38 AM Oct 8, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:01 PM Oct 8, 2008
 Reporter: Dave Jordan
73 comments
A | A | A

The average price of gas in N.C. is down 11 cents since Tuesday, but we found at least one station selling gas for less than three dollars.

The owner of the BP in the Tyrrell County town of Columbia tells WITN his station is selling regular unleaded at $2.99 a gallon. He says the price he pays for gasoline has dropped, allowing him to drop his prices at the pumps. The station across the street is even cheaper at $2.94 a gallon.

Elsewhere across eastern Carolina we found low prices at $3.37 in Elizabeth City, $3.41 in Jacksonville, and $3.57 in Washington.

North Carolina Gas Prices.com, which you can find on the left side of our homepage, reports the average price of gas across the state is now $3.65.

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Posted by: Lisa Location: Kinston on Oct 14, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Gas was 2.88 a gallon in Columbia last saturday and was cheaper from hwy 12 cape hatteras all the way back till you hit the east.
Posted by: Terry Location: Creswell on Oct 13, 2008 at 11:27 PM
10-13-08 Billy is down to 2.87 a gallon.Way to go.Even if other gas stations in my area come down a few cents cheaper I would still get my gas from Billys.HE had the grit to go down on prices when on one else would.
Posted by: david Location: washington on Oct 13, 2008 at 11:05 PM
299 at exxon in greenville 349 in washington well worth the drive
Posted by: William Location: Raleigh NC on Oct 13, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Gas is cheaper than that in Columbia as of Sunday. It was Below $2.90. Gas in Elizabeth City was $2.57
Posted by: Susan Location: Kinston on Oct 13, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Yes, we should all celebrate the lower gas prices. At the same time we should be asking ourselves why prices in NC remain about 30cents above the national average. Two weeks ago I talked with my sister and they were complaining about $2.99 gas prices in Oklahoma.
Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Oct 13, 2008 at 10:11 AM
To just wanting to know...Oil and gas prices are finally established at the retail level once oil companies, refineries, wholesalers, distributors and retailers get a cut of the pie. I would say the retailers in Washington are making a profit. Fisher Oil prices in the New Bern area, are now lower than the others. I guess the States Attorney General looked at his books. We have a HESS station at one end of town in Havelock, charging $3.69 a gallon and another Hess station 3 miles away charging $3.59 per gallon. It has to be the retailer.
Posted by: keep going Location: creswell on Oct 13, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Gas is 2.84 to 2.89 in columbia
Posted by: Cat Location: Gboro on Oct 13, 2008 at 07:40 AM
I'm with Hope. $3/gal is NOT good! Its just an improvement over what it has been.. But not good!
Posted by: Another Concerned Citizen Location: PLYMOUTH on Oct 12, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Right on folks...if the surrounding towns can sell for $3.27 or $2.94 why can PLYMOUTH or WASHINGTON not do the same!!! I say we discontinue purchasing gas from these two towns. I myself will drive to Williamston.
Posted by: Just wanting to know Location: NC on Oct 12, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I wanted to know if someone can answer this for me. Why is it that gas in Greenville is as low as $3.39 a gal but in Washington it's $3.59 and up?
Posted by: Noelle Location: Greenville on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:07 AM
And the sad thing is George....US LOCALS DON'T WANT THEM HERE!
Posted by: Garth Location: Wayne's World on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Just to update everybody, the station that was selling gas for $2.99/gal is now selling it for under $2.90.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen Location: PLYMOUTH on Oct 11, 2008 at 05:22 PM
If Columbia can sell $2.94 and Williamston at $3.36 and Plymouth is at $3.57 a neighboring town...DO NOT BUY ANYMORE GAS FROM HESS AT PLYMOUTH....they are ripping this rural community off!!!!
Posted by: hope Location: NC on Oct 11, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Too little too late. Who would have ever thought we would be excited over $3.00 per gallon of gas.
Posted by: CheckitGeorge Location: TheBern on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:56 PM
George is saying that Greenville's gas is more expensive due to ECU -- so then why is Craven County's (Vanceboro, New Bern) always 10-12 cents more than Greenville? Craven Community College?
Posted by: Debbie Location: Goldsboro on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Makes you wonder what they are putting in the gas to make it cheap, my parents had to have their gas filters replaced and tanks pumped from their car/truck the other day, also heard over 300 complaints filed about bad gas. Word to the wise...stick with one brand/station that is consistent no matter what. Could cost you more in the long run...
Posted by: alex Location: vanceboro on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:21 PM
whats sick is that we are excited about $2.94
Posted by: Debbie Location: Eastern NC on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:49 PM
If the price is slowly getting below $3.00....why oh why are most stations still charging way above this????? Come on NC, let's get our mess together!
Posted by: Garth Location: Wayne's World on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Just so that everybody knows, the station across the street has always been a couple cents cheaper but they don't have a credit card machine. Don't go there without cash or else you'll be in a jam. The first station that sells gas at $2.99 does take credit cards, so you'll be fine there.
Posted by: NC-er in the MidWest on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Our gas has been rapidly decreasing. It's currently at $2.79. It's dropped about $.50 in the last week.
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:27 PM
As far as the comment goes for the BP station in Columbia jacking its prices up during the hurricane, it was not his fault. Pumps closed not just in Columbia, but in Greenville as well. It is the COMPANY(BP, Trade, Sheetz etc.) that decides the range of where the owner may place the gas price. They have to abide by the company's rules. Just because it is a self-owned business, doesn't mean they aren't ruled by a higher power. And yeah, I'm sure he does feel bad about the hurricane gas crisis. I would if I were a gas station owner. People should quit viewing them as bad people for following orders from a company. He COULD have it placed much higher than $2.99. You should start wondering what the point is that he's trying to make by placing it so low. Such as, why aren't the other gas stations?
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Steve, Steve, Steve..thank you so much for that clarification about our "1 and only" gas line to NC. It all makes perfect sense to me now..;) As for the gas companies..they get 50 bucks from me a week and that's it. If I lived in town, I would walk to work so they wouldn't get even that much from me. 401k? What's that? Retirement? Won't be around when it's time for me to retire.
Posted by: McCain Snake Oil Co. on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:29 PM
To Realist, our country is not a democracy. It is a Republic or a Representative Democracy.
Posted by: George Hackafan on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:17 PM
All right, here is why Greenville pays more for gas, cars,& food. ECU!!!!!! These greedy hogs in Greenville know that these students drive and eat. I know because I heard a car dealer say it. "These kids ride a lot, eat good, and ride in good vehicles". Just drive out here on Dickinson Ave. at the student parking lot, and see what the freshmen are driving.
Posted by: Steve Location: Chocowinity on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:32 PM
April April April... don't you know there is only pipeline coming from the gulf coast to NC? And everytime a hurricaine even thinks of forming in the gulf it targets that one pipeline. All the gas companies are doing you a favor by taking all your money since you would probably put it in your 401K and loose it on the stock market.
Posted by: April Location: Greenville on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:06 AM
So..the "reason" behind high gas prices in NC is due to the "hurricanes" in the gulf? Please WITN...can't they come up with some better excuse than that? We are the highest in the nation expect for Hawaii and Alaska..It's GREED and PRICE GOUGING! Not hurricanes in the gulf that caused this.
Posted by: NObama Location: Greenville on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Steve, I've been asking the same questions. NC currently has the highest average gas price in the US. Why? NC has typically been below the US average but now we are way higher. It just doesn't make sense. Gas companies have conditioned us to pay a higher price and even though their cost goes down, they see no reason to drop the price at the pumps. Greedy gas companies will ultimately destroy the economy while filling their pockets.
Posted by: Steve Location: Chocowinity on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:38 AM
I agree 100% with this post, How about it WITN????? Ask the tough questions, go after the answers like your commercial says. Posted by: Gas Poor Location: New Bern on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:47 AM So, the last time oil was around $90/barrell gas was $2.76...why is it so much higher now? Where's the investigative journalism? One would think that someone would be looking into this and asking some hard questions.
Posted by: Happy Location: MD on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Way to go Billy!!!!!!
Posted by: Mary Location: Kinston on Oct 9, 2008 at 07:59 AM
I seen gas prices here in Kinston on 10/8 at 3.41. But you know if some can sell for 2.99 others can to. They are just keeping the prices out of sight cause they know we need the gas. I was at a station here in Kinston last week and paid 3.45 for gas the attendent told the guy in front of me she was fixing to go back up to 3.69 cause stations on hwy 70 were out of gas so her boss told her to go back up cause people would pay it if they needed gas bad enough. About an hour later I went back by the same store and they were at 3.69.
Posted by: Gas Poor Location: New Bern on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:47 AM
So, the last time oil was around $90/barrell gas was $2.76...why is it so much higher now? Where's the investigative journalism? One would think that someone would be looking into this and asking some hard questions.
Posted by: mamma for obama on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:36 AM
We know that we will paint NC BLUE on Election Day!!!!
Posted by: conserving on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:26 AM
i have kids, carpool and drive to work, the store and church. we cut out doing anything extra. we don't go anywhere to save spending and gas money...this has helped. If gas prices went below $2.00, and the high taxes on NC gas were down, we would be in better shape. we are getting robbed from CEO's, and all across america from grocery stores, to gas stations.
Posted by: duncan Location: columbia on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:15 AM
thank you Billy Oates this showes character
Posted by: Leslie Location: Columbia on Oct 8, 2008 at 11:55 PM
He must feel sorry for the PRICE GOUGING he done during and after the last storm when he closed all his pumps so he could jack the prices up over 75 cents per gallon !!!!!
Posted by: local Location: roper on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:53 PM
The price for gas at the future market today was $2.03 add tax freight and a little for profit.
Posted by: Joseph Location: Kinston on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Maybe when we get rid of governor Weasely gas will be cheaper and we can arrest price gougers.
Posted by: Wanda Location: eastern nc on Oct 8, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Price Gouging.... Interesting. I sure would like to be a Juror when these Distributors come to trial. {like thats ever going to happen]
Posted by: Disgusted Location: Bath on Oct 8, 2008 at 09:15 PM
EVERYBODY could be selling gas for this price! The oilman cometh and the oilman taketh! As long as we , and I include myself, keep driving, they will keep gouging!!! When is enough, enough??
Posted by: mom 01 Location: Columbia, NC on Oct 8, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Thanks Billy for have the cheapest gas around!!!!
Posted by: sick of being burned on Oct 8, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Come on Greenville....give us a break. We have been paying more for everything...we need to have 2.99 prices too.
Posted by: April Location: Grifton on Oct 8, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Thank you for that information. We are paying around .72 more right now. Why??? NO reason for it. It's simple price gouging.
Posted by: Moderator Location: WITN on Oct 8, 2008 at 07:26 PM
In Mid October 2007 Crude Oil was around 90 dollars a barrel. At that time the National Average for Regular unleaded was $2.76 a gallon
Posted by: April Location: Grifton on Oct 8, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Can anyone figure out how much we paid the last time oil was @ $90.00/barrell? We should be paying the same price today. If not..then you know how much we are getting price gouged! What can a community do against these greedy companies? Boycot the stations? Write our congressman and women? There has to be something we can do about this. It's time the American people take a stand against all of these greedy companies and politicians. Can't we protest?
Posted by: researcher Location: havelock on Oct 8, 2008 at 06:47 PM
has anyone actually gone to mapquest and seen the gas prices there, the cheapest in the country is like 2 something a gallon in OK the last time i look, it was really cheap, and the politicians thought the bailout was going to help! the only thing its helping is the stock market crash and put money into their pockets!! I say Wed Oct 29th everyone should prepare for a long hall cause its coming down again!!!
Posted by: Bob on Oct 8, 2008 at 06:22 PM
if gas prices are going down so low all over the country why do we still pay 3.77 a gallon here in New Bern?? Are we just special??
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Then all the other gas stations are price Gourging! They need to stop them!! I am glad its going down, but the food prices, and all the other gas stations prices need to drop with it. COME ON NC!!
Posted by: Mary Location: C-town on Oct 8, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Way to go Billy Oaks thanks for looking out for us here.
Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Oct 8, 2008 at 04:45 PM
I just came from VA/DC and the cheapest we saw was $3.31 per gallon at a BP Station. NC needs to get its act together and stop taxing us so much on gas!
Posted by: Concerned Location: Greenville on Oct 8, 2008 at 04:20 PM
I am sorry my previous comment should have said gas was $3.80 and higher in Goldsboro this weekend not $2.80
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 at 04:19 PM
It'd be nice if all of the gas companies would do the same. Have they not realized that the prices of gas are effecting families more than ever? There have been several times this year that we have had to choose between putting $20 in the tank, or buying $20 in groceries for our family of 4. It's not fair that we are continuing to be robbed at the pumps.
Posted by: Concerned Location: Greenville on Oct 8, 2008 at 04:19 PM
I was traveling back from my parents home this weekend and noticed in Goldsboro gas was over 2.80 at every single station. Soem stations were out of regular. Why is Goldsboro so much higher than a town 15 miles up the road! Makes no sense!
Posted by: OilMan Location: Odessa, Tx on Oct 8, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Price of crude is in the $90/barrel region. It's not the oil companies setting the price at the pump, it's those honest people in the market on Wall St. Our politicians should rein them in. I believe all the refineries in texas are back to pre Ike levels so it should come down more. North Carolina has the 6th highest gas tax in the US. Thank your Governor.
Posted by: KR Location: Eastern NC on Oct 8, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Good for you, Billy. Now everyone can go to Columbia this weekend, buy relatively inexpensive gas, and enjoy the Scuppernong River Festival!
Posted by: Kiss me 1st!! Location: Washington NC on Oct 8, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Leave it to the most greedy titans here in Washington NC and YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!! To keep taking advantage of its citizens! It will come back to you soon enough!! Lower Prices and look out for your community!
Posted by: Skinner on Oct 8, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Obama is a Bimbo
Posted by: Realist Location: Havelock on Oct 8, 2008 at 02:09 PM
You know what is sad, the news is even happy to report that gas prices are below 3 dollars a gallon, What is the world coming to, seriously, I wish everyone would stop caring so much about what is wrong with the economy and realize why the economy is the way it is! ITS THESE CLOWNS IN WASHINGTON, THE ONES WE KEEP PICKING TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY AND THEY ARE THE ONES WHO ARE MAKING DECISIONS FOR US, BUT I DONT FEEL THEY ARE MAKING THE RIGHT ONES, I THOUGHT THIS WAS A DEMOCRACY NOT A DICTATORSHIP COUNTRY, CAUSE THAT IS WHAT ITS STARTING TO FEEL LIKE!!!
Posted by: boy Location: e nc on Oct 8, 2008 at 02:05 PM
the big question is if one or two stations in a small town away from large areas of population can sell at this price why can't all stations do the same
Posted by: bill Location: obx on Oct 8, 2008 at 01:02 PM
roy cooper, boy o boy. what about the price gouging??? i was thinking you were full of hot air. for the owner of the bp in columbia, thanks for having the backbone to drop the price this much. you just made a fool out of everone in roy's office!!
Posted by: April Location: Greenville on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:57 PM
The reason for gas prices not to drop in Pitt county is simply due to price gouging and greed. They can get away with it simply because we can't do anything about it.
Posted by: Gaspoor Location: New Bern on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Why are we still paying $3.77 in New Bern?
Posted by: michelle Location: martin county on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:22 PM
This just goes to show you that the gas station owners CAN LOWER the prices and STILL MAKE MONEY..
Posted by: Wilma Location: you know where on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:20 PM
And we are supposed to be thrilled with $3 a gallon gas? This is exactly what the oil companies want us to feel........elation at gas that has dropped a buck a gallon, to $3.00 per. I'm not elated, as a matter of fact, I still feel screwed. Let me say this though, I would be perfectly fine with gas being in the $2-$2.25 range, because all prices inflate at some point, but this is just crazy. Just watch........we will 'feel good' about gas at $3.55 and it will jump back 20 cents a gallon next week because there will be a thunderstorm that hits in Bellagio, Louisiana.
Posted by: JD Location: New Bern on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Why can't New Bern follow suit and lower prices? It's still $3.77 here. Residents here are just as pressed for money as other places...we need our prices lowered too! Craven county stations are known to raise prices, though. It's not very fair.
Posted by: It's me Location: Columbia on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:07 PM
It is good to see that the owner of the BP station which is also the owner of the station across the street has finally done some good for this little town..
Posted by: gail Location: plymouth on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:50 AM
if tyrrell county can have low gas prices, why can't washington county. you have to pass right thru washinton county to get to tyrrell.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Columbia on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:50 AM
This guy is crazy!
Posted by: GoPirates Location: GVegas on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:20 AM
ummmmpp, Im just finally glad to see that is dropping!!! It's down to $3.54 in Greenville, that is down 15 cents in like a week or so!! Keep 'em dropping!!!!
Posted by: SAFE SPENDER on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:06 AM
You know i got my first motorcycle recently because they save on gas. Europe manly rides bikes and motorcycles because their ecomomy is not based on fuel. The thrive because of that.
Posted by: Mom on the go Location: creswell on Oct 8, 2008 at 08:43 AM
If a station in the small town of Columbia can sell gas for 2.99 why can't other towns sell it for that price?
Posted by: Kelly Location: WIlliamston on Oct 8, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Gas at the Murphy station in Williamston was 3.49 this morning when I went to work.
Posted by: still too much on Oct 8, 2008 at 06:40 AM
this is crazy...we need to all have it low, and still be careful driving.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: greenville on Oct 8, 2008 at 04:54 AM
do they all get gas at the same place
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