7-Eleven doesn’t charge a membership fee, but it’s been very aggressive with gas discounts.The national convenience store chain’s latest aggressive gas price deal comes as prices at the pump have started to fall. “Drives are getting a break at the pump as the summer travel season heats up. For the first time since Mach 30, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down to $3.99. This marks nearly 4 straight weeks of declines. Crude oil prices are down as the U.S. and Iran reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz,” according to data from AAA. Prices, however, remain high compared to last year.June 18 national average: $3.99 One week ago: $4.12 One month ago: $4.51One year ago: $3.18
Source: AAA
It’s a situation where, while prices have fallen, consumers are still feeling the pain at the pump. This gives gas station operators room to offer promotions designed to lure people to their stores.Costco and Walmart see major gas changesMany Americans have changed their gas-buying habits to counteract, or at least delay, the pain of filling up their tank at elevated prices.Walmart CFO John Rainey noted a change in consumer behavior during his chain’s first-quarter earnings call.”We have a large fuel business and we see that in the most recent period, the number of gallons that customers fill up with when they come to our fuel stations fell below 10 for the first time since 2022. That’s an indication of stress. And so certainly as you look at quarter-over-quarter incremental pressure, that’s one of the areas that I would call out,” he said. Overall, however, Walmart and Sam’s Club have sold more gas.”In the month of May, our gallons are up 12%. If you look across the industry, they’re down 5%,” Rainey added.Costco, which generally offers the lowest gas prices before promotions are factored in, has also seen customers make changes.”A lot of members are increasing their frequency. They’re visiting the gas station to top up in between would have normally been a gap between getting the tank to empty because of the concern about what might the gas price be tomorrow,” CFO Gary Millerchip said during the chain’s third-quarter earnings call.7-Eleven offers huge gas promotion7-Eleven uses gas promotions to entice people to sign up for its 7Rewards loyalty program. When you join, you get some instant savings.”Text SAVE to 711711 for 25¢ OFF/gal on your next 3 fills,” the chain shared on its website. The chain makes it relatively easy for members to claim their discounts.”To receive your discounts, press the 7Rewards button at the pump prior to fueling. After entering the phone number associated with your account, your savings will update at the pump,” it shared.More Retail:Struggling women’s clothing retailer shutters 171 storesRetail giant launches first new home brand in 5 yearsDiscount retail giant wins as shoppers change how they spendOn July 7 and 11, however, 7-Eleven will offer all customers $.50 off per gallon.If you text ALLIN to 711711, you will become a member of 7Rewards, if you were not already, and you’ll receive a prompt to reply with your zip code. When I did that, I got the following response.”7-Eleven: You are ALL IN for an EXTRA 50 cents OFF/gal on the 7th and 11th of every month through July, 11 2026.”
7-Eleven offers a variety of fuel promotions to 7Rewards members.Shutterstock
Kroger also has a gas dealKroger shared a new 4X Fuel Points promotion on June 8.“Customers can earn 4X Fuel Points on every dollar spent every Friday from June 12 through July 24, as well as July 1-4, when they clip the digital coupon in the Kroger app or on Kroger.com and shop in-store, through pickup or via delivery,” the company shared in a press release.Customers earn one Fuel Point for every $1 spent on groceries, but under the 4X promotion, they will earn four points for every dollar spent.Every 100 points saves you $0.10 per gallon, up to $1 per gallon with a maximum of $35 in savings.You do not need to be a member or pay to join Kroger’s program, but you do have to register for it.Gas prices are forcing spending changesWith gas prices still being elevated over this time last year, BMO Capital Markets Senior Economist Sal Guatieri explained that most Americans will have to spend less in other areas.“Apart from undermining confidence, the increase will erode spending power, particularly for lower-income households. Gasoline and other fuels account for 2% of U.S. personal consumption, so the price increase, if sustained, could cut annual spending by about 0.7%. That works out to more than $1,000 for the average American household,” he wrote.Consumers are looking to save money on gas, and high gas prices are forcing them to cut back in another area, according to a Numerator survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers. Key findings included:93% of drivers are trying to save money on gas.36% choose stations based on price over convenience.61% say gas prices are impacting ability to afford other expenses.Related: Costco solves major frustration for members