When an inexplicable rash of motorists formed traffic jams rushing to fill gas tanks at Cedo's Stop, the manager wondered what the fuss was about. It was, by far, the largest crowd he had ever seen at the gas station.
About 45 minutes and 700 gallons later, it became clear.
A pricing error on the pumps at the Andrews Highway station meant motorists were getting $1.19 a gallon rather than $2.19. On a typical Monday, the gas station sells about 300-350 gallons all day long.
Station owner Dr. Shihab Diaz was busy practicing dentistry while unknowingly losing a dollar a gallon. His station manager called him with the news on Tuesday.When an inexplicable rash of motorists formed traffic jams rushing to fill gas tanks at Cedo's Stop, the manager wondered what the fuss was about. It was, by far, the largest crowd he had ever seen at the gas station.
About 45 minutes and 700 gallons later, it became clear.
A pricing error on the pumps at the Andrews Highway station meant motorists were getting $1.19 a gallon rather than $2.19. On a typical Monday, the gas station sells about 300-350 gallons all day long.
Station owner Dr. Shihab Diaz was busy practicing dentistry while unknowingly losing a dollar a gallon. His station manager called him with the news on Tuesday.
The place was overwhelmingly packed with cars," Diaz said. "It's unbelievable how word spread so quickly."
Diaz and station Manager Alex Ali believe customers started texting and calling others, as word spread like a Texas wildfire.
"I was shocked and amazed at how well people are connected and how fast it got around," Ali said.
While chuckling in the stinging aftermath of losing about $700 in less than an hour, both men believe most people were knowingly taking advantage of the mistake, and noted their sign posted the price as $2.19.
Until one woman, they described as "honest" approached the manager after filling up, pointing out the error.
"She got the discount," Ali said.
But after that, pump prices were immediately corrected.
Then the crowd died down.
Diaz said they were thinking about calling a local radio station talk show and asking customers to return and pay the difference.
"Honestly, I think they thought they were getting away with something," Ali said of most who filled up.
Diaz said the business probably lost more money in those 45 minutes than it has earned in gas profits this year, citing the fluctuation in fuel prices and competition from chains that can sell for less than what he can purchase wholesale.
"I'm surprised so many people didn't point out the mistake," Diaz said.
MyWestTexas.com > News > Top Stories: Gas gaffe leads to long lines at pump
Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt auch nicht, ob ich was gesagt hätte....hier in D kostet super heute auch wieder 1,35 EUR...man fühlt sich echt über den Tisch gezogen!
About 45 minutes and 700 gallons later, it became clear.
A pricing error on the pumps at the Andrews Highway station meant motorists were getting $1.19 a gallon rather than $2.19. On a typical Monday, the gas station sells about 300-350 gallons all day long.
Station owner Dr. Shihab Diaz was busy practicing dentistry while unknowingly losing a dollar a gallon. His station manager called him with the news on Tuesday.When an inexplicable rash of motorists formed traffic jams rushing to fill gas tanks at Cedo's Stop, the manager wondered what the fuss was about. It was, by far, the largest crowd he had ever seen at the gas station.
About 45 minutes and 700 gallons later, it became clear.
A pricing error on the pumps at the Andrews Highway station meant motorists were getting $1.19 a gallon rather than $2.19. On a typical Monday, the gas station sells about 300-350 gallons all day long.
Station owner Dr. Shihab Diaz was busy practicing dentistry while unknowingly losing a dollar a gallon. His station manager called him with the news on Tuesday.
The place was overwhelmingly packed with cars," Diaz said. "It's unbelievable how word spread so quickly."
Diaz and station Manager Alex Ali believe customers started texting and calling others, as word spread like a Texas wildfire.
"I was shocked and amazed at how well people are connected and how fast it got around," Ali said.
While chuckling in the stinging aftermath of losing about $700 in less than an hour, both men believe most people were knowingly taking advantage of the mistake, and noted their sign posted the price as $2.19.
Until one woman, they described as "honest" approached the manager after filling up, pointing out the error.
"She got the discount," Ali said.
But after that, pump prices were immediately corrected.
Then the crowd died down.
Diaz said they were thinking about calling a local radio station talk show and asking customers to return and pay the difference.
"Honestly, I think they thought they were getting away with something," Ali said of most who filled up.
Diaz said the business probably lost more money in those 45 minutes than it has earned in gas profits this year, citing the fluctuation in fuel prices and competition from chains that can sell for less than what he can purchase wholesale.
"I'm surprised so many people didn't point out the mistake," Diaz said.
MyWestTexas.com > News > Top Stories: Gas gaffe leads to long lines at pump
Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt auch nicht, ob ich was gesagt hätte....hier in D kostet super heute auch wieder 1,35 EUR...man fühlt sich echt über den Tisch gezogen!
