With gas prices as they are, getting a fill-up can feel a little bit like an adventure -- as in 'just where am I going to locate the money to fill up my Suburban this week?' I don't personally remember it, but I've heard about the long lines that existed in the 1970s, when getting gas seemed nigh impossible. But, imagine if you lived in Bali and got a container of gas on a street-side shop like the one you see pictured above? Some questions could arise. Like, for instance, what octane? Eh, who cares? It's petrol, right? Take what you can get and run with it. You could always walk.

[Source: Bikes in the Fast Lane]

Some free advice for any would-be thieves out there: if you steal a car and then return it, don't leave a trail of receipts behind. Considering that most every gas station has security cameras these days, it probably was not that hard to locate the perp who stole the truck in question, which he then traded for a SUV. When he traded vehicles, he left his gas station receipt behind, which the cops were able to use to fetch a video of their thief in the act of pumping gas. When the story was first printed, the authorities had not yet captured the man, but with a clear picture of him, they likely will.

[Source: SNAFU-ed]

One thing that I just can't imagine wanting to do while I'm filling my tank with gas (which takes an ever increasing amount of money) would be to watch advertisements on more stuff to spend my money on. But, what do I know? I haven't spent hours and hours of time taking marketing classes or anything like that. I'm just an average Joe who is forced to value his money... 'cause I've only got so much of it!

Gas stations have long reported that they make the majority of their profit not by selling gas, but by selling items from their convenience stores. You know, as expensive as gas is, a soda from inside costs more when you consider how much actual product you are getting for your money. And, the profit margins can be pretty high when it comes to the items sold inside the gas station. So, it is not surprising at all that gas station owners would want to get more people inside their stores. Again, because gas is expensive these days, fewer people are probably headed in to spend more money inside, right? So, new pumps and new software by Microsoft will allow station owners to advertise right at the pump. What better place to market to someone than when they are a captive audience? You're filling your tank with nothing to focus on... ooh, that candy bar sounds good, doesn't it! I bet it'll work.

[Source: Gizmag]

An article in from Automotive News tells us... what we already know. Even though gas prices have declined since their almost record-breaking highs on Memorial Day, consumer confidence is at a low. What is interesting about the article is that it points out that not only is our confidence in oil down, but that lack of confidence extends to other parts of our consumerism.

Case in point, many retailers including Wal-Mart <gasp> have reported disappointing sales figures for last month. This indicates that because of all the uncertainty the average consumer is coping with in our economy, they are conserving their spending, and thereby not stimulating the already-ill economy. Even the housing market is unstable now, according to the article.

AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report gathers data from about 85,000 gas stations across the U.S. and posts its findings on www.fuelgaugereport.com. According to the site, as of June 8th, the highest reported price for gas was found at Beaver Island, Michigan, where drivers were Shell-ing out $4.51/gallon. On the other side of the spectrum, Lancaster, Pennsylvania reported $2.53/gallon. I just paid $3.54 in the Chicago suburbs, so I don't want any of our Lancasterite readers complaining.

[Source: GasPriceWatch.com via Automotive News]

A directory featuring E85 Ethanol Fuel and Biodiesel Fuel retail stations across the U.S. has been published for the first time by USA Energy Independence Publications. The guide is designed to help flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) and diesel vehicle owners find retail outlets offering renewable fuels in their areas and comes complete with the fuel station's address and phone, hours of operation, phone number and types of payment options available. Also covered in the directory is a buyers guide for 2007 and earlier model FFVs.

Analysis: There are a lot more FFVs and diesels on the roads than there are users of biofuels. Knowing where to go to fill up is a step in the right direction to allow motorists to make the switch and follow through.

Related:

• Ford loves ethanol
• GM and Colorado partner to deliver 40 new E85 stations to the 13 already there
• E85 for 85 cents a gallon? Ford, MFA Oil promotion educates consumers about ethanol

[Source: USA Energy Independence]