Wawa Gas Promo Triggers Price War

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Wawa Inc.'s latest Florida convenience store sparked a price war with its grand-opening gas price promotion on Thursday.

The convenience store and gas station at 6500 S. Semoran Blvd. outside Orlando International Airport was offering gas for $2.99 per regular gallon. The low price -- in an area known for notoriously high gas prices -- caused motorists to line up onto Semoran Boulevard, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The move also caused a nearby 7-Eleven and RaceTrac to lower their prices to $2.99. However, two gas stations closest to the airport -- Sun Gas and Suncoast Energys -- kept their prices at $5.95 and $5.99, respectively, the newspaper reported. The two stations drew few customers.

As CSNews Online previously reported, Wawa recently marked its first anniversary in the Sunshine State. As the retailer became a part of the Orlando community, it also became "keenly aware that Orlando residents have limited options, specifically around the Orlando airport, to find quality food and fuel at competitive prices. In fact, local fueling stations have been spotlighted several times for their price gouging and astronomical costs."

Thursday's grand opening highlighted Wawa's low gas prices, with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer unveiling a the new fuel price sign.

Wawa owns and operates more than 600 convenience stores, including 300 gas stations, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.