EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is in response to a reader-submitted question through Open Source, a platform where readers can submit questions to the staff. A Knox Pages reader asked, “Why is gas cheaper in Bellville and Utica than in Mount Vernon/Knox County?”
MOUNT VERNON – In response to a reader-issued question, Knox Pages recently conducted a study to find out if gas is, in fact, more expensive in Mount Vernon than in nearby towns Bellville and Utica.
The answer is yes. You can read about that study and why industry experts think that may be the case here.
After concluding the study, Knox Pages sought input from its readers on how this trend affects their gas-buying habits. The staff posted this question on Facebook last Wednesday night:
“Have you noticed this trend, and has it caused you to avoid buying gas in Mount Vernon?”
Within two hours, 140 people had commented on the post. It had received 38 shares, 143 reactions and over 1,500 total engagements. It had reached nearly 5,000 users.
Obviously, this issue struck a chord with KP readership. The overwhelming response? “Yes, we notice it.” Many detailed the ways in which they avoid Mount Vernon when they need to buy fuel, including which towns they frequent for the cheapest prices.
Knox Pages decided to compile some of the most popular responses, so readers can compare notes.
Have you noticed this trend, and has it caused you to avoid buying gas in Mount Vernon?
“I always buy gas outside Mount Vernon if possible. I hate to not spend my money locally, but until I hear a compelling reason why the gas is higher here, it just feels “icky” and I won’t spend my gas money here.” – Richard Miller
“I live in Mount Vernon. I work in Newark and I’ll coast to Utica before I’ll buy gas in Mount Vernon! Gas typically runs about 20 cents less in Utica and Newark … but at times those stations have been 40 cents less than the ones here in town.” – Jodi King
“For a few cents, no. But when its 20-25 cents or more per gallon cheaper in Utica or Bellville, its a strong option.” – Linette Porter
“Yep, I work in New Albany and its always cheaper than Mt. Vernon prices. Maybe $0.05 or $0.25 cheaper, but I usually fill up before I head home.” – Ashley Rine
“I work in Columbus at Riverside and sometimes have to take my little one to my parents house in Johnstown for babysitting. Depending on traffic I go different routes. The gas in Mount Vernon is always more expensive than Columbus, Fredericktown, Mount Gilead, New Albany, and Westerville.
“I also travel through Utica and Newark quite a bit and it’s always cheaper there too. I avoid buying gas in Mt Vernon unless it’s the Kroger gas station and I use my gas points to make it cheaper. I fill up at least twice a week. At the most I fill up once a month in Mt Vernon and again it’s at Kroger and because of necessity. I would love to know why it costs more in Mt Vernon.” – Lori Beach
“Yes I know it been trending a lot. I drive to Columbus for doctor appointments. Centerburg and Sunbury gas prices are cheaper then Mount Vernon. So I do get gas on the way and on way back because of these prices.
“If I don’t go anywhere then I get gas in Mount Vernon. But I am so tempted to drive where the gas are cheaper. I feel it not right that we have pay higher gas prices.” – Stephanie VanRiper
“MV is always higher than nearly all surrounding areas. My husband gets gas in Marengo, they’re anywhere from .10-.25c cheaper all the time.” – Shelbi Robbins
“Absolutely. I go to Duke in Utica. It’s always cheaper. I have been doing so for almost 5 years now. I am also a business owner and the work trucks are also filled up daily outside of Mt Vernon.” – Ronica Bradley
“I buy in Centerburg or Sunbury. Mount Vernon is usually .10-.30 higher.” – Jennifer Gibson
“I only buy gas in MTV if I have my Kroger points high enough for $.30 off. If not we get it in Bellville after church or Fredericktown if we can’t wait until Sunday.” – Stacy Ward
“I always get gas in Danville cause it’s cheaper then Mount Vernon.” – Kelly Goines
“I work in Reynoldsburg and buy gas there or Pataskala… usually 30-40¢ cheaper.” – Tanya Krownapple
“Mt. Vernon gas is way more than surrounding towns! Utica, Newark, Fredericktown, Centerburg, Gahanna, Sunbury, and Bellville gas is cheaper by 10-40 cents on any given day. Sometimes even more!” – Jill Macklin
“Everyone should download the GasBuddy App and you’ll see for yourself no matter which direction you go… EVERYWHERE is cheaper than Mt Vernon.” – Sandy Mott
Top 10 most popular gas destinations (outside of Mount Vernon)
These town names were referenced most frequently in the Facebook post’s comments:
- Utica
- Newark
- Fredericktown
- Danville
- Bellville
- Sunbury
- Centerburg
- Johnstown
- Mansfield
- New Albany
