Denver, Colorado motorists do benefit from relatively low gas prices. As of July 13, 2009, The U.S. Department of Energy calculates a $2.458 average reading for regular grade gasoline for the Mile High City, which undercuts the National $2.528 score. According to the data, the Rocky Mountain region enjoys the lowest gas prices in the U.S. beyond the Gulf Coast and Lower Atlantic states.
Interstate gas price disparity is largely controlled by geographic proximity to Gulf Coast energy supply and gasoline tax policy at the local level.
The interior Rockies represent the Nation’s fourth most prolific zone for crude oil production after the Gulf Coast (Texas / Louisiana), Alaska, and California. The Mountain West is also dotted with smaller refineries in Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. The nearby oil and gas infrastructure is more than enough to sate the regional demand of this lightly populated area.
Per Colorado, the State House levies a 22-cent per gallon excise tax at the pump. According to the American Petroleum Institute, the combined 40.4-cent tax bill, which includes the 18.4-cent Federal tax, falls well beneath the 47-cent U.S. average.
Rocky Mountain access to natural resources, alongside said favorable gas tax policy, is the ultimate boon for Denver, Colorado consumers. Mile High residents must acknowledge the fact that $3 per gallon Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Manhattan denizens will blatantly dismiss any Denverite crying Uncle over $2.40 gas.
This guide proves that cheap fuel is the order of the day in Denver and saving gas money is more so a function of which areas to avoid, rather than affordable zones to seek out aggressively.
We will evaluate the cheap gas proposal from both ends of the price spectrum. First, our goal is to expose the most egregious areas to purchase fuel. Secondly, we will present viable alternatives to these locations, where consumers may secure affordable gasoline.
Although we recognize the fact that today’s price quotes will fluctuate wildly over time, we remain certain that particular patterns and price spreads will remain stable. “Cheap gas” is a relative term that simple degenerates towards “less expensive than the other guy.”
Where NOT to Buy Gas in Denver
Cherry Creek is the epicenter for expensive gas in Denver.
Denver’s most exclusive neighborhood is bisected by Cherry Creek and cordoned off by CO 2 / Colorado Boulevard and Alameda Avenue. High-end shopping, palatial estates, and Mile High Old Money characterize the area. Interestingly, gas prices will spike in all directions radiating from Cherry Creek.
Specifically, do not buy gas at Colorado Boulevard or Alameda Avenue into Cherry Creek.
The price action appears as if competing service stations were seeking to profit from the elite consumer that makes his way into the area via the requisite I-25 and I-70 exits. Denver’s expensive gas zones are quite curious, considering the fact that Colorado and Alameda are circumferential routes that never enter downtown.
$2.49 is the prevailing price target at Colorado Boulevard between I-70 and I-25 through Park Hill into Cherry Creek. State Route 2 transitions past Denver’s middle class havens, retail sprawl, and gleaming commercial development, prior to bordering the tony Cherry Creek.
Meanwhile, Alameda Avenue marks the primary feeder onto I-25 from the area and is also a death trap for expensive $2.49 gasoline.
Conoco is the primary offender and hawks high-priced gas at 4001, 3400, 1504, 785, and 303 Colorado Boulevard. The oil company and its franchisees have also staked out 3875 Cherry Creek Drive, University Boulevard, and Alameda Avenue for good measure.
Denver drivers must avoid buying expensive gas at all roads leading to Cherry Creek.
Ironically, gas is cheaper downtown. The Circle K at 1300 W. Colfax, just prior to the I-25 junction is peddling 87-octane for $2.36.
Cherry Creek patrons would be better served to purchase gas further to the east of Colorado Boulevard. Prices fall at Monaco and Havana streets. The Sinclair at Mississippi and Parker moves cheap gas for $2.34 and would be the most convenient outfit in relation to the Cherry Creek neighborhood.
Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Denver
Cheap gas is for sale in the Mile High City at Federal Boulevard and west into Lakewood and Wadsworth Boulevard, where gas breaks the $2.40 floor. Prices also plunge beneath $2.40 at Havana Street and east into Aurora prior to the I-225 belt.
Discount Gas is peddling cheap gas for $2.29 at Colfax and Moline in Aurora. Meanwhile, Sinclair is flashing $2.35 at Sheridan and W. 10th Avenue across town. CO 95 / Sheridan Boulevard also transitions into a cheap gas corridor north of Denver, where Bradley flashes $2.29 for one gallon of regular gasoline at W. 65th Avenue in Arvada.
Still, the aforementioned Circle K at 1300 W. Colfax (B.R. 70 and U.S. 40 / 287) marks the best combination of price and location for all points Denver. The off-brand wholesaler flashes $2.36 directly off I-25 into downtown Denver.
Indeed, there is a difference between “cheap” and real value.
Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Denver, Colorado, Sources:
Denver Tourism, http://www.denver.org/
The State of Colorado, http://www.colorado.gov/
Denver Gas Prices, http://www.denvergasprices.com/
