Montana Gas Prices Are Driving Everybody To Costco

I recently drove my truck on a short trip across Montana. When filling up at the pump, I thought I had to do a double-take on the price. It came out to a full $100 bill. And that was after I specifically detoured to hunt down a cheaper gas station. Filling a tank cost $70 just a couple of weeks earlier.

Earlier this week, I came across a report from financial outlet TheStreet talking about how rising gas prices are pushing more drivers toward Costco fuel stations. Honestly, anybody who has driven past the Missoula Costco lately already knows this without needing an analyst to explain it.

And somehow, almost everybody still ends up inside buying the legendary $1.50 hot dog combo afterward anyway, putting half the gas savings right back into Costco before they even leave the parking lot.

That's the secret to their low gas prices. They know that offering those discounted prices is going to get people in the door. Their razor-thin gas prices are nothing compared to members "running into the store for a few things" after filling up.

Montana Summer Driving Season Hits Different

Right now, Montana is deep into summer driving season, and travel out here works a little differently than it does in most states. A “quick drive” can still mean four hours across the state. Half the route has sketchy cell service. Beef jerky somehow costs more than steak. These are just normal Montana road trip realities.

And despite everybody complaining nonstop about gas prices, nobody seems willing to cancel their plans. In fact, I'm still going fishing this weekend, even though towing the boat sucks far too much fuel.

People are still hauling campers, stuffing coolers into the backseat, towing boats, and driving across the state for concerts, rodeos, fairs, and camping trips. We will absolutely complain about fuel prices the entire time, too.

But nobody is staying home even if it means waiting in a Costco gas line that now feels like its own strange little civilization.