Q: Why does Wawa care about fuel surcharges?
A: Plain and simple, our advertising campaign is about straightening out a common misunderstanding about gasoline pricing, and providing our customers with the most competitive and fair pricing in the market. Wawa stores are committed to offering our customers a quick fueling stop that guarantees quality at low prices regardless of their method of payment. Increasingly, gas retailers are featuring two prices – one for cash and another higher price for credit, and customers are unaware of this. So while the price retailers are advertising appears to be low, when the transaction is paid for with credit, several cents per gallon are added, and this is known as a "surcharge." We want our customers to understand surcharges and know they never have to pay a surcharge at Wawa.
Q: How can I know when retailers are surcharging?
A: Look for the fine print on retailers' signs and advertisements. Be sure to double-check the price at the pump vs. the price on the sign.
Q: So Wawa never adds a surcharge when I pay for gas with my credit card?
A: Correct. None of Wawa's 270 gasoline retail stores add a credit surcharge. At Wawa, we do not surcharge customers for anything. We believe in simple, clear pricing for all products, including fuel. We are simplifying our customers' lives by alerting them to the difference, and making sure they don't end up paying fees they don't have to.
Q: Does adding a charge to a credit card purchases really qualify as a surcharge?
A: Yes, we think so. While some are referring to it as a "cash discount" we don't agree. Our credit and cash price are the same – the same low price whether you pay cash or credit. Others may advertise a low cash price, but when you pay with credit, the price will be higher.
Q: Has Wawa ever tested a two-tier pricing method?
A: Over a year ago, we tested the concept of tiered pricing, where we featured a true cash discount. The feedback we received from customers was clear. They were confused by the approach, so we stopped providing this option. The vast majority of our gasoline customers pay with credit. Therefore, we want to simplify their lives with one low price for cash or credit.
Q: Will this affect the cost of gasoline?
A: We cannot make predictions about gasoline prices, as they change on a daily basis. However, at Wawa, you'll always get fair, honest pricing. This is our promise. Wawa will continue to provide gasoline at the most competitive prices possible and offer value, quality and convenience to our customers.
Q: Can I always pay at the pump?
A: Absolutely. We are committed to providing the speediest and simplest way for customers to fuel their cars. Each store has CRIND (Card Reader IN Dispenser) system that enables completion of credit card transactions at the pump.
Q: Is Wawa gas blended with Ethanol?
A: Yes, many Wawa gasoline stores now sell gasoline blended with up to 10% ethanol. In the gasoline industry, refiners are phasing out the gasoline additive MTBE and beginning to use ethanol as a blending component. This low-level ethanol blend is called E10 Gasoline. E10 is a blend of 90% unleaded gasoline with 10% ethanol – a clean burning fuel made from corn and other grains. Customers should notice no difference from a performance perspective and this low-level blend of ethanol is approved for use in all gasoline vehicles. Wawa sources gasoline from many refineries. Major refineries are converting to using ethanol due to a variety of reasons, including recent changes in the law. As local supply is converted, Wawa stores have been converted to sell only ethanol-blended fuels – or E10 gasoline.
Q: Which Wawa stores sell gasoline with E10?
A: All stores in counties requiring reformulated gasoline have switched to E10 for all octane grades.
Q: Will gasoline with E10 affect my vehicle?
A: You should notice no difference. Every car manufacturer selling vehicles in the United States approves the use of 10% ethanol blends (E10) in their engines, and in fact many recommend them.