This week, the White House announced the opening of the first “Freedom Fuel” gas station. The gas station chain loosely ties the price of a gallon of gas to President Trump’s presidential number “47.” Here’s what you need to know about the stations, the price they charge for gas, and the mystery around their ownership.
What’s happened?
On July 7, the White House posted on social media announcing the arrival of the first Freedom Fuel Network gas station.
“FREEDOM FUEL HAS ARRIVED,” the post read. “The FIRST Freedom Fuel Network gas station has LANDED in Philadelphia, lowering the price at the pump to $3.47 for our 47th President.” The post went on to state that “President Trump is leading the charge to lower gas prices this summer – putting more money in your pocket.”
It was accompanied by a video which was also posted on the official White House website. That video shows customers at the first Freedom Fuel gas station in Philadelphia voicing their satisfaction with the price of gas at the station.
What does gas cost at a Freedom Fuel station?
Currently, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.8460, according to the American Automobile Association. The price of a gallon of gas at a Freedom Fuel station is $3.47, or roughly 37 cents cheaper than the national average.
That “$3.47” price is a nod to President Trump’s presidential number, 47.
It’s worth noting that before the conflict with Iran began at the end of February, the national average price for a gallon of gas was below $3.
How can Freedom Fuel offer gas at such a low cost?
That’s a question many people are wondering about. Whoever owns Freedom Fuel is likely subsidizing its gas prices, which means they are losing money each time someone fills up at one of their stations.
Who does own Freedom Fuel?
That’s unknown at this point. Despite the White House’s social media post and video listing, the White House said it was not involved with the Freedom Fuel Network, according to an emailed statement a White House spokesperson gave Investopedia.
“The Administration is not involved in the company, nor has the Administration given the company any funding,” the statement read. “There is no other entity or person subsidizing the lower gasoline costs. They are simply reducing their margin to make prices at the pump more affordable for drivers in Philadelphia and New Jersey. This retailer is taking the lead; others should follow.”
Fast Company has reached out to the Freedom Fuel Network for comment.
Where are Freedom Fuel gas stations located?
The Freedom Fuel Network’s sparse website lists 25 locations for its service stations. Five of those locations are in New Jersey, and the remaining 20 are in Pennsylvania.
Those locations are:
New Jersey
6801 Tilton Rd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ
6501 Delilah Rd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ
160 NJ-73, Marlton, NJ
1520 County Rd 539, Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ
898 NJ-73, West Berlin, NJ
Pennsylvania
6800 E Baltimore Ave, Lansdowne, PA
6601 Market St, Millbourne, PA
2200 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
6243 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
400 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA
4612 Edgmont Ave, Brookhaven, PA
3919 Edgmont Ave, Brookhaven, PA
3201 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA
1400 Dreshertown Rd, Dresher, PA
1453 S Hanover St, Pottstown, PA
10960 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA
3101 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA
17 Street Rd, Southampton, PA
299 E Street Rd, Warminster Township, PA
4043 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA
610 Conchester Hwy, Boothwyn, PA
3811 Hartzdale Dr, Camp Hill, PA
1360 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA
905 Bristol Pike, Bristol, PA
100 Byberry Rd, Philadelphia, PA