Move over Buc-ee’s and Wawa: Sheetz is moving into the spotlight.
While any sort of travel during Thanksgiving week comes with its share of inconveniences and headaches, people who are driving through five East Coast states could see some very sizable discounts at the gas pump. Sheetz stores have dropped the price of “Unleaded 88” gas to $1.99 a gallon.
That’s a 40% discount off the national average price of gas, which stands at $3.29. The prices will remain in effect through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27.
Sheetz operates more than 500 stores around the country, centered in six states: Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and North Carolina. It has been compared by many travelers to the Wawa convenience store, because of its made-to-order sandwiches and wide selection of hot and cold beverages.
Notably, Maryland stores will not be participating in this promotion.
Unleaded 88 is a hybrid gas, made of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. It’s said to burn cleaner and have a higher octane level than pure gas. The Environmental Protection Agency says Unleaded 88 can be used in cars made after 2001, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty SUVs.
The downside? Some people report they get lower gas mileage using the flex fuel.
Still, with so many people expected to hit the road this week, any discounts are sure to be welcomed by travelers. AAA says 55.4 million travelers will relocate 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday period—a 2.3% increase over last year and the third highest on record (with only 2005 and 2019 posting higher numbers).
The vast majority of those, nearly 89%, will be driving. If you’re one of those, AAA says, take an extra day off and avoid hitting the road on Wednesday.
“The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways. Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights.