Residents flock to Farwell for gas

Janice Green picked the right day to come to town.
Green and her family live 14 miles east of Farwell and limit their trips to the city. She was surprised when she noticed unleaded gas selling at Lowe’s for $3.69 a gallon — which was more than 30¢ below the national and area average.
“Gas prices keep you at home,” said Green from her vehicle as she waited in line for gas. “I do everything in one drive now.”
Lowe’s assistant manager Jolyne Ortiz said the store’s gas prices have decreased from $3.89 on Monday to $3.69 Wednesday.
Ortiz said gasoline prices are based on the purchase price from their distributor. Store manager Eric Chavez said keeping customers happy is also a consideration.
“We did it for our customers,” Chavez said. “To keep them satisfied.”
A nearby Allsup’s ran out of its $3.68 a gallon gas early Wednesday morning, according to employee Mary Davis.
The 40-cent drop from the $4.09 gas prices in Clovis was enough for Clovis resident Linda Armijo to make the short trip to Lowe’s in Farwell to fill up.
“I can’t believe the prices,” Armijo said as she pumped gas after a 15-minute wait in line. “They’re great. It’s completely worth it to drive out here for this.”
Oritz said Wednesday was hectic and some customers were angry they had to wait five to 25 minutes to purchase gas.
“But everyone was pretty excited that the gas is so cheap,” Ortiz said.
The national average for a gallon of unleaded gasoline Wednesday was $4.04, according to AAA.