How You Can Buy Gas For Under $1 a Gallon

Buy even cheaper gas, which is averaging $2.14, with gas rewards programs.

ByABC News
January 20, 2015, 1:35 PM

— -- While oil and gas prices are plummeting, some drivers can take advantage of deeper discounts than others -- thanks to your local grocery store.

In Arizona, grocery shoppers can get gas below $1 a gallon thanks to their rewards programs at Shell or Circle K stations.

Market chains like Safeway and Walmart also offer rewards and discount programs that tie grocery purchases with gas rewards.

The average price for regular is $2.14 a gallon, according to the Energy Department's weekly analysis of national gas prices released on Monday. That's down about $1.19 from a year ago and nearly 8 cents from last week.

PHOTO: A Shell gas station is pictured in Portland, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2015.
A Shell gas station is pictured in Portland, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2015.

The fuel program at Fry's Food Stores, owned by The Kroger Company, offers up to $1 off per gallon on fuel purchases. Shoppers can redeem up to 1,000 fuel points in a single fill-up at Fry's or at participating Shell or Circle K Stations for up to $1 off per gallon.

For each increment of 100 fuel points redeemed at Fry's, 10 cents off per gallon will be awarded, up to 35 gallons.

Warning: Falling gas prices and fuel rewards programs may incite pump envy. For example, some states like Wisconsin, won’t let gasoline be sold at a loss. The Wisconsin Unfair Sales Act essentially prohibits selling gasoline without marking it up either 6 percent over cost or 9.18 percent over the local wholesale price, whichever is higher.

Safeway’s program offers 10 cents off per gallon for every $100 spent in the stores. For every dollar you spend on groceries at Safeway you get one point. Earning 200 points gives you 20 cents off per gallon, good for a single visit at a participating gas station. Exxon Mobil stations are the ones partnering with Safeway in this offer.

PHOTO: The price of unleaded gasoline is advertised at an Exxon Mobil Corp. gas station in Portland, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2015.
The price of unleaded gasoline is advertised at an Exxon Mobil Corp. gas station in Portland, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2015.

Walmart's credit card offers a 5 cent discount per gallon at the pump, or a 3 cent discount with Walmart's money or gift card, at about 1,000 Walmart or Murphy USA gas stations in 21 states.

There's an exception in Alabama, where you have to get the discount on your statement, and not directly at pump.