Finding Cheap Gas and Open Stations: Updated Apps and Tools That Can Help

With the right planning and a good fuel-finding app, you can save money and avoid running out of gas

High gas prices and occasional supply shortages can make buying fuel more stressful than it needs to be. It is frustrating to fill up at one station only to notice a lower price just down the street. It is even more frustrating to pull into a station during a shortage and find that the pumps are closed. Fortunately, there are free and low-cost mobile apps that can help you find the cheapest available gas and see which stations are actually open and stocked. Many of these tools also offer optional premium features and rewards programs.

Disclaimer: NCCC does not endorse or recommend any specific app, service, or company mentioned in this article. The information provided is for consumer awareness only.

GasBuddy

GasBuddy remains one of the most widely used fuel price apps in North America. It operates on a crowdsourced model in which users report prices and station status. This information is then shared with other users, giving them up-to-date data for decision-making.

When you open GasBuddy, it displays the average price for your area, the lowest reported price nearby, and recent price trends. You can view results in a list or plotted on a map, and you can filter by fuel type. The app provides directions, phone numbers, and user ratings for each station. Another helpful feature is the time stamp showing when each price was last reported. This allows you to gauge how likely it is that the price is still accurate and that the station still has fuel.

GasBuddy also offers a free rewards program that can save a few cents per gallon at participating stations when you use their linked payment card. In addition, premium subscriptions provide trip planning tools and additional fuel purchase savings. While the free version is enough for most drivers, heavy commuters may benefit from the paid features.

Gas Guru

Gas Guru has a simpler interface than some of its competitors, which makes it easy to check prices quickly while parked or during a brief stop. Like other apps, it can display stations on a map or in a list format. A “best nearby” button instantly highlights the lowest reported price in your area. Color coding simplifies scanning: yellow marks good prices, green marks the best prices, and gray marks the least competitive options.

Gas Guru allows you to search prices in other locations, which is useful if you want to know fuel costs at your destination. It also integrates with Google Maps and Apple Maps for directions. You can set favorite stations so that they appear first when you open the app, saving time if you tend to buy fuel at the same locations regularly.

MapQuest Gas Prices

MapQuest is best known for online maps, but it also offers a capable gas price finder. It lists the best local prices or shows them on a map, allows sorting by price or distance, and lets you search anywhere in the country. This flexibility is useful for travelers, especially if you plan to drive long distances through unfamiliar areas.

One key advantage of MapQuest over some other apps is its fuel type filter. In addition to regular, midgrade, and premium gasoline, you can search for E85 and diesel. This is particularly valuable for drivers of diesel trucks or flex-fuel vehicles. The app also lets you build a favorites list for quick access to preferred stations and provides turn-by-turn directions.

Fuelzee

Fuelzee combines price reporting with a gamified experience. Like GasBuddy, it rewards users for reporting fuel prices, but it also offers contests, point systems, and occasional prize giveaways. Users can leave comments about station conditions, which may include notes on cleanliness, payment methods, or amenities like air pumps.

Fuelzee also includes a fuel usage tracker. This can be useful for people who deduct mileage or fuel expenses on their taxes, as it creates a clear record of purchases. The app can also send alerts when special deals are available nearby, potentially adding more savings on top of the lowest posted fuel prices.

Waze

Waze is primarily a navigation app known for its crowdsourced traffic and hazard reports. Many drivers rely on it to avoid congestion, accidents, or speed traps. While not a dedicated fuel app, Waze does include gas price information. This data is also crowdsourced, but fuel reporting is less central to Waze than to apps like GasBuddy or Gas Guru. As a result, the price data may be less up-to-date.

If you already use Waze for driving directions, it can be convenient to check fuel prices within the app. However, for the most accurate and current prices, especially during shortages or price spikes, a dedicated fuel finder app is likely to be more reliable. Some drivers use Waze for navigation and run a fuel app in the background for price tracking.

Other Helpful Apps and Tools

While the five apps above are among the most widely used, other options may also be worth considering. AAA’s mobile app includes a fuel price finder for members and often shows additional discounts at participating stations. Some fuel brands, such as Shell, Exxon Mobil, and BP, have their own apps that display real-time prices and provide digital payment and rewards features. If you typically buy from one brand, their app can streamline both price checking and payment.

For electric vehicle owners or drivers of plug-in hybrids, apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint track charging station availability and pricing. These are not directly useful for gasoline purchases, but they can help you plan mixed-fuel trips where both charging and fuel stops are needed.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Fuel Finder Apps

• Enable location services so the app can automatically detect nearby stations without manual searching.
• Check the time stamp for each reported price to see how fresh the data is before you drive out of your way.
• Consider using more than one app for cross-checking prices, especially during high demand or shortage situations.
• Join rewards programs for additional per-gallon savings, but compare offers to ensure they actually lower your total cost.
• Save frequently used stations in your favorites list for quick reference.

North Carolina-Specific Considerations

North Carolina has experienced occasional fuel supply disruptions, particularly during pipeline outages. During these times, fuel availability can change rapidly, and price spikes are common. The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services monitors fuel quality and accuracy of pump pricing, but availability information is not provided by the state. Using multiple fuel apps during a shortage can improve your chances of finding an open station. NCCC encourages consumers to report stations without fuel so other drivers can avoid unnecessary trips.

Final Thoughts

Fuel finder apps are most effective when used regularly, not just when prices surge. By checking them as part of your normal driving routine, you can identify patterns, recognize when prices are dropping or rising, and plan your fill-ups accordingly. Whether you are a commuter looking to save a few dollars each week or a traveler navigating unfamiliar roads, the right combination of tools can help you save money and avoid frustration at the pump.