Costco members see it right when they walk in: $3.45 for a gallon of regular gas.
It's a good deal that's actually even better when you consider you don't have to be a member to fill up at the Costco in Nanuet. That's because in Rockland County, it's against the law for gas stations to require membership.
The law dates back to the energy crisis of the 1970s, when people tried to form gas clubs. Costco had no idea the regulation was on the books when it started building its store in Nanuet.
"I think it's a good idea to allow complete access to something as important as gasoline to anyone," said Terry Grosselfinger, of the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection. "And so Costco has agreed."
The deep discount has put a dent in sales at other gas stations, which already face stiff competition from New Jersey. One Valero station runs a gas sale two days a week to try and drum up business, but the manager admits it's tough to compete.
"It's always about 30 cents cheaper than us," manager Usman Nassar said. "And there's no way we can drop our prices down that low."
The county is considering amending the law to force Costco to put up signage indicating its station is open to non-members. The company didn't return phone calls for comment, but the steady stream of cars is a sure sign that Rockland's best kept secret is getting out.
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