Is Costco Gas Good In 2022? (Top Tier, Who Makes It + More)
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Kroger headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio
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| Type |
Public |
|---|---|
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ISIN |
US5010441013 |
| Industry |
Retail |
| Founded |
1883 ( 1883 ) Cincinnati, Ohio , U.S. |
| Founder |
Bernard Kroger |
| Headquarters |
Cincinnati, Ohio
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U.S.
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Number of locations
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2,868, including 2,726 supermarkets and 142 jewelers (Q3 2021) [1] |
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Area served
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United States |
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Key people
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Rodney McMullen ( CEO & Chairman) [2] Gary Millerchip ( CFO ) Yael Cosset ( CIO ) Stuart Aitken ( CMO ) |
| Products |
Supercenter / superstore , Other specialty, supermarket |
| Revenue |
 US$ 132.5 billion (2020) [3] |
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US$2.67 billion (2019) [3] |
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US$2.585 billion (2020) [3] |
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Total assets |
US$45.3 billion (2019) [3] |
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Total equity |
US$7.88 billion (2019) [3] |
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Number of employees
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465,000 (2020) [4] |
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Divisions |
Inter-American Products various chains |
| Website |
www .thekrogerco .com www .kroger .com |
Costco is a great place to fill up your tank. But first, you’ll be wondering whether Costco gas is actually any good.
It was a lot of work, but here are my findings.
How much is high-quality gasoline at Costco worth? Why are these low prices?
Here’s everything I have to say about costs, drawsbacks, and comparisons.
How Much Does Costco Gas Cost?
Costco is not responsible for the actual cost of Kirkland Signature Gas.
However, Costco is able to keep prices lower than other gas stations, regardless of how they fluctuate.
Costco gas prices are on the average around 21 cents per gallon lower than those of its competition, according to a report from 2018.
Other sites have indicated that there is a price gap of around 10 and 15 cents. Either way, the price per fill-up adds up and can amount to some impressive savings.
How come Costco Gas Prices are So Low?
Costco can keep gas prices so impressively low because it charges those who use it a membership fee. Only people who are Costco members can buy Costco’s Kirkland Signature gas.
A personal membership is between $60-60 per year. It all depends on the benefits that you desire.
Costco membership fees account for approximately 75% of its profits. This allows Costco to maintain low prices on all products, from groceries to gasoline.
But, it is unlikely that you will make the Costco membership worth your while if you don’t fill up your car at Costco often.
Apparently, to make up the cost of the membership, you would have to refuel at Costco around 35 or more times a year, assuming you only use your Costco membership to access fuel.
Reddit users have stated that Costco gas is basically the same quality and quantity as most other companies such as Shell, Mobil. Texaco. Chevron.
Reddit users claim that Costco also buys gas from these exact refineries. They then rename it under the Kirkland name.
Costco gasoline and Shell are only two different things. Costco uses fuel additives (to save money) to make its gas cheaper than the fuel rack at the refinery.
Additionally, Costco gas also meets the same US government additive requirements as Mobil, Texaco, and Shell.
Costco Gas Uses Ethanol
Online reports indicate that Costco 91 unleaded gasoline does not contain ethanol because it is considered a Top Tier gasoline.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature gasoline does not contain 10% of the ethanol required by The Energy Independence.
Costco Gas pumps also offer the ability to fill up with fuel.
Is Costco Gas Bad For Your Car?
Kirkland Signature gasoline is high in detergent additives that improve both the quality and cleanliness of your engine.
It is therefore classified as Top Tier gasoline.
Or, in other words, Costco’s own-brand gas surpasses the minimum additive requirements set by the US government’s Environmental Protection Agency.
AAA studied the difference between so-called Top Tier gas and gas that merely met the government’s minimum requirements.
The researchers also discovered that Top Tier fuel produced 19 times more intake valve deposits than engines running on regular gasoline.
Costco Regular Gas Is as Good As Premium Gas
Costco offers both regular and premium Kirkland Signature gasoline. You can rest assured that your vehicle is fueled with high-quality fuel.
Costco stations carry a higher level of detergent additives in their fuel.
Costco’s regular gasoline and the premium fuel are both up to Top Tier standards.
Beyond that, the only difference between premium and regular Kirkland Signature gas is octane levels.
Always refuel with the octane levels specified in the owner’s manual of your car.
Is there a gas station that offers “Top Tier”?
Other than Costco there are many gas stations across the US which sell gasoline that is Top Tier compliant.
This means that fuel is higher than US government standards for fuel quality.
You can learn more about their exact specifications by visiting the Top Tier Gas website.
As of January 2020 some retail brands which sell Top Tier fuel at stations are:
You may find local convenience shops that carry Top Tier approved fuel. Also, there may be other places that sell certified high-quality fuel.
However, the chances are that Costco’s prices will be significantly lower per gallon.
Is Costco Gas Popular?
Yes, Costco gasoline is very popular – and it’s not hard to see why! Costco Kirkland Signature fuel is high quality. It is also very affordable.
Its popularity, however, is its greatest drawback.
However, you could always have someone in the car run into the Costco warehouse to do any necessary shopping while you wait.
Kirkland Signature gasoline available at Costco gas station is excellent quality and great value.
The high quantities of detergent additives in both Costco’s premium and regular gas means it meets strict Top Tier performance standards.
It still costs several cents less per gallon than its nearest competitors.
Costco gas is expensive and can lead to long waits at gas stations.
The benefits outweigh any drawbacks.
.Is Costco Gas Good In 2022? (Top Tier, Who Makes It + More)