Comments on: Orlando Gas Gouging

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:39:25 +0000

The best suggestion is to stop using Hertz. They know about the problem but they don’t warn you about the gas station when you pick up your car. Just use the rental companies in the terminal, they are cheaper anyway.

By: Gary S

Gary S — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:00:27 +0000

Yes, I too have been gouged by this station on my repeated trips in and out of the Orlando Airport. It is incomprehensible they can charge what they do. Even after paying off their friends in the BBB they’re still way ahead of the game! I didn’t realize there were more gas stations down the road. From now on (I’ll be there in 2 weeks), I’ll travel further down the road. Thanks everyone for the info.

By: Sunderraju

Sunderraju — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:13:12 +0000

Well, folks, I’m the latest in tourists who have got shafted in Florida – looks like I won’t be visiting there any time soon. Suncoast Enersys got me for $4.20/gal, when the market was $2.40 – and yes, I was returning my rental car to Hertz across the road, who wanted to charge me $7.19. Is it possible these scum have a tie-in with folks at Hertz? That would be a nice bit of pocket change for all involved! I did see 6 people who filled up and drove across to Hertz, so it does seem to be a well organized screwing operation – without even vaselene!!!

By: Steven Skalitzky

Steven Skalitzky — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:07:23 +0000

Suncoast Energys continue to gouge, average street price was under $2 per gal, but they were charging $3.99. Its is legal, since it appears complaints have been filed with the Attorney General and there has been no apparant action. Its is BUYER BEWARE! It is condoned by the Better Busisness Bureau, since they have rec’d complaints and still rate the establishment B+, and continue to spew the same response since 2007. There are complaints previous to this when it was a Chevron dealeship. It is just plain disgusting. I would assume this operation is frequented by people prior to returning their rental car on departure from Orlando. Heck of time to leave a bad taste in one’s mouth after a otherwise good holiday.

By: Bill Ripley

Bill Ripley — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:10:54 +0000

Same thing happened to me. I received a letter from the BBB that justified his actions. Obviously, they are “in the tank” with the lowdown bum that runs the gas station. It is a shame to see the BBB come down on the side of the bad business practices and not protect the consumer. Sort of like the fox watching the hen-house.

Here is what I did. On my last 3 trips to Orlando, I camped out in the parking lot for 30 minutes to 1 hour and warned the customers. I know that I cost the business at least a thousand dollars in lost “ill gotten gains”. It did not help much, but it made me feel a lot better. By the way, every person that I told about the prices did not buy gas. I pointed them to the 7-11 down the street.

That is all we will be able to do. With a spineless BBB and a slimey business man, we dont have many other choices. Join with me in the revolt.

By: Mike Montgomery

Mike Montgomery — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:01:20 +0000

My wife and I recently return form a convention in Orlando. The weather was just spectacular and the convention was great. The hotel we stayed in the Hilton could not of been better. Unfortunately it was all overshadowed by a gouging from a local gas station when we were leaving. We were returning our rental car and required to fill the gas tank. We pulled into SunCoast Energy on 5928 Butler National Dr. near the airport. When I filled up the rental it came to $50 for 12 gallons. I was shocked to say the least. When I looked around there were no signs for price. It was only marked on a small window on the pump that was almost impossible to read. I have traveled all over he US for 40 plus years and never had such a experience. I think the City of Orlando or the people would not be proud of the practices of this company and how it reflects on it reputation. Also I did complain to the BBB and the letter was almost exactly as posted by Jason Nov. 30, 2007.

By: Lee G.

Lee G. — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:00:54 +0000

In response to # 10 .The price is not posted on the pump . The selection space is blank until after octane choice has been made .If you don’t catch it right away you can rack up a hefty bill or hardly get any gas at all for what you may plan to pay .

By: Bill Ripley

Bill Ripley — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 02:54:24 +0000

I paid $4.99 tonight for gas. I caught it about 3 gallons into the fill-up. I asked the attendents and they gave me the owner’s name and phone number, but I guess it does not do any good to waste my time. Prevailing prices are roughly $1.50 per gallon, so they are making $3.50 per gallon ($50 per tankfull) of extra profit. I did feel good when I waved off 2 cars (potential customers) that were fixing to fill up their rent cars with their blood-gas.

How do these people sleep at night? Surely there has to be a law prohibiting this? Maybe some lawyer can get them for racketeering or tax evasion.

By: Santhony

Santhony — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:56:49 +0000

I saw this yesterday. It is positioned perfectly across from the hertz and Thrifty car rental lots. When you return the car you have to fill the tank and it looks like a dream come true to find a gas station right across the street. I saw the price and left to get gas 1.2 mile down the street for 1.72/gallon. I told the hertz people about it and they said they have reported them over and over again but nothing ever happens. We will see about that!

By: Carl

Carl — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:24:58 +0000

I have news for you, as of 11/3, they are still ripping people off with $5/gal gas!
This is the last station before the airport and so anyone renting a car, will stop there before returning the car. There is no time to go looking anywhere else. When I said this to Bob Barnes the manager he agreed. So with the little digital display on the pump, and your haste to catch your flight, it’s easy to get ripped off. By the time that you realize the price, they got you! And where else are you going to go?
THIS IS A BLIGHT ON ORLANDO AREA TOURISM!!!

I won’t ever go there again. If this is how they price their gas, I don’t even want to see what they charge for a bottle of water!!!

By: ann guinan

ann guinan — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:45:16 +0000

It is November and we were there today and could not believe the gumption these people have to charge $4.99 per gallon. Luckly we did notice the price and headed down the road to 7-eleven. Lets get this complaint out to trip advisor – dont use Suncoast at Orlando International!!!!

By: John Prescott

John Prescott — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:40:59 +0000

Following is my complaint to the FL Attorney General:
Paid $65 for fill-up at $5.499 per gallon on 5Oct08. Filed complaint with the fed web hotline and the Orlando BBB (who wrote back saying they would do nothing as it would be duplicating the fed complaint effort). In my view, this is price gouging because 1) the product quality does not warrant the high price, 2) advertisements at the station attempt to portray the product as unique, and 3) no external price billboard exists. The point of no billboard is to lure victims where they will waste time (and gas) exiting the main road, manuevering though the station, exiting the car, reading instructions, etc before the price is noticed. Any potential victim under a time constraint will now risk either missing a deadline or paying this morally criminal price. Also any elderly person with poor eyesight or capabilities would be easy prey for this scam. Online comments from other victims also state a similar hand-washing response from the BBB. I would be interested to know if the owner of this station has any “influence” with local elected officials and/or the BBB/Chamber of Commerce.

By: lawrence

lawrence — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:28:53 +0000

Just in orlando this past weekend.Same gas station at it again.$5.50 per gallon no prices posted.When i confronted employee thinking it was a miss print he laughed.We most report them untill something is done.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:55:40 +0000

I was just there on the 9th and they are at $5.49 a gallon. Still there today I called to check. I filed a complaint with the Florida Division of Consumer Services. Since there is now a declared state of emergency they can hopefully investigate these scumbags. I was caught up in the same situation running late for a flight and had to fill my rental. I will NEVER make that mistake again.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:19:48 +0000

They are still charging exuberant prices, almost 2 dollars a gallon more than anywhere else and yes, still no sign. I started getting gas and stopped once I realized the price, but it took me a couple double takes which in that period ran me quite a bit of money for no gas. It is an example of unethical business practices, which do not always include anything illegal. Merely two miles down the road the other stations are normally priced, but then again, they also clearly advertise their prices. Either way, Suncoast Engergys has been doing this for awhile and I am sure will continue. Here are the owners, Raymond Pannone, Charles Lechtworth and Bob Barnes.

By: Jon

Jon — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:55:41 +0000

I first noticed this in February 2007. Pulled my rental car up to the pump, took one look at the prices and proceed 1.5 miles down Semoran Blvd to 7-Eleven where I paid a market rate for gas. One of my co-workers who routinely flies in and out of MCO said he never noticed this (oops…) but that he will also drive the extra 1.5 miles to 7-Eleven from now on. When I returned in 2008 I didn’t even bother to stop at the Suncoast station.

By: Jyoti Seth

Jyoti Seth — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:19:52 +0000

As I was looking on how to file a complaint regarding a gas station near Orlando Airport charging $4.49 for the gas price per gallon for regular unleaded self-serve, I am surprised to see many people have the same experiencefor such a long time and authorities have not done anything about it. Can someone please tell me if there is place where I can fomally send my complaint.

By: david savoie

david savoie — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:17:42 +0000

I purchased gas yesterday at Suncoast Energys in Orlando exactly the way they intended–Returning a vehicle early in the morning–no prices posted and had started pumping before I realized the price $4.499 per gallon. They should be tarred and feathered!!

By: Jason

Jason — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:24:47 +0000

From the Orlando Better Business Bureau

“Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record with the Bureau. Any complaints processed by the Bureau in its three-year reporting period have been resolved. The number and type of complaints are not unusual for a company in this industry.

To have a “Satisfactory Record” with the Bureau, a company must be in business for at least 12 months, properly and promptly address matters referred to it by the Bureau, and be free from an unusual volume or pattern of complaints and law enforcement action involving its marketplace conduct. In addition, the Bureau must have a clear understanding of the company’s business and no concerns about its industry.
Consumers have advised that gas prices at this station are higher than average. The company has responded the higher prices charged are needed to absorb some of the higher costs of building in the location and meeting higher stringent standards of Lee Vista Center; street price signage is not permitted. The price per gallon is digitally posted at every pump and the consumer can make a decision prior to purchase. Company is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.”

So it seems that they pay their dues to the BBB

By: Mike Rogers

Mike Rogers — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 19:09:56 +0000

There is no defending the person who owns this gas station. He has been ripping people off for years and I’m sure he is a multi millionaire because of it. He is the closest station to the airport as well as the car rental places and he is taken full advantage of the tourist that wants to drop iff their car and get to the airport. It’s unfortunate that the state of Florida allows places like this to be in business and rip off the very person who is spending a ton of money at the theme parks in Orlando???

By: John Kostenbader

John Kostenbader — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 22:35:55 +0000

In response to #10…your way off the mark. There is such a thing is business ethics and responsibility to the public. The owner of this gas station is taking advantage of the tourist life blood of Florida. What he is doing is unethical and despite the prevailing laws of Florida regarding “gouging” it is gouging in my opinion.

By: Iheight Wieners

Iheight Wieners — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 23:24:37 +0000

In response to #9, they “get away with it” because the price is posted at every pump above the grade selection button. No they don’t post the price of gas on the road, but they don’t list their milk and egg prices either.

If you can’t read the price posted at the pump, how are you supposed to notice it on the road?

“Ripping people off” is when you post one price and then charge another. This is not happening.

If you don’t like the price at Starbuck’s go to a 7-Eleven.

By: JMelvin

JMelvin — Sat, 19 May 2007 17:01:56 +0000

It’s the first gas station you come to off 528 The bee-line on SR 426 Semeron Blvd. As of last night they were still $1.20 higher than any other station in the area at $4.19.. The receipt has Suncoast Energys, 528 Butler Nat’l Dr., Orlando FL. 32822, but this is not the location of the pumps. No prices posted, ripping people off…I really don’t understand how they keep getting away with this…

By: nickel

nickel — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:08:28 +0000

Interesting. $4.60 Canadian is still roughly $4.10 USD, so it sounds like you’re paying a good bit.

By: Crediteria.com

Crediteria.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 08:05:13 +0000

I live in Canada and we are paying about $4.60 a gallon. $4 sounds like cheap gas to me.

Yeah, I keep my Chevy Avalanche parked a lot!

By: Fellowes

Fellowes — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:14:00 +0000

I do think there are some rather obvious pricing irregularities these days. Here in Washington State, it sounds like there is going to be an investigation as to why Bellingham, a college town near the US/Canada border typically has prices $0.25 – $0.30 higher than the statewide average. Lately, it seems that the prices change twice per day, once in the morning and once in the evening, all for gas that is still in the tanks. To me, that seems like gouging

By: CHARLIE CRIST

CHARLIE CRIST — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:18:50 +0000

I STAYED ON TOP OF THE OIL COMPANYS BEFORE I BECAME GOVENOR , NOW SCREW ALL OF YOU…

By: Henry @ Binary Dollar

Henry @ Binary Dollar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:00:58 +0000

I heard gas was going to hit $4 anyway. I bet they’d charge $5+ if that ever happened.

By: Kurt

Kurt — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:53:34 +0000

“a gas station near the Orlando, FL airport”

That answers your question. They are getting people returning their rental cars who would probably pay $5 a gallon if they let the rental car place refill it. This seems slimy at the least.

By: Blaine Moore

Blaine Moore — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:41:05 +0000

That sounds like a great way to make a couple dollars today and lose a customer forever.

We have a membership to BJ’s, and the other day I was having trouble getting it to remember my scanned membership card all the way through pumping. I was wondering how many people think they are getting a deal on the gas but wind up paying an extra 10 to 15 cents per gallon because they don’t notice that their card (even though scanned) had turned itself off before they actually started pumping.

Thankfully, I’m anal like that and noticed before letting any gas out of the hose so I had a $0 sale and then the normal sale.

By: Blain Reinkensmeyer

Blain Reinkensmeyer — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:25:28 +0000

Maybe it is just me, but I always look at the sign before pumping! $4 is a total bad beat though, I wonder if those customers will come back for more next week?