#5SmartReads - September 15, 2021

On the true cost of gas, the stock market, and the misogyny of the early aughts

Why most gas stations don’t make money from selling gas (The Hustle)

This was news to me - and perhaps to you as well.

I naively thought that when gas prices were high, the station owners were the big winners. That’s not the case at all.

The average net margin a gas station makes is 1.4% on fuel, due to the cost of crude oil, refining, transport, taxes, and minimal markup.

Most gas stations are also small businesses, with individuals owning a single station or franchise making up over 50% of all gas stations in the United States.

If you needed a reason to indulge in a fountain soda or a king-sized candy bar the next time you’re at the gas station, here it is.