Time indicator for the era? Opening Customer (COST.US) tries independent gas station, retail giant crosses energy field and makes a crucial move.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST.US) plans to open its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, California in June. The station will be located at the former site of a BED BATH & BEYOND store and will have 40 gas pumps, making it Costco's largest fuel facility to date. Like all Costco gas stations, this station will be open only to members, operating from 5 am to 10 pm daily and will not have a convenience store. This retail giant is also planning to open a second standalone gas station in the Kalihi area of Honolulu, projected to be operational by 2027. The company has not yet announced any broader expansion plans, but industry experts are closely watching. Analysts believe that testing standalone gas stations is a direct response to Costco's long-standing issues of parking saturation and gas lineups, as well as a fun loyalty test for members in scenarios away from stores. Additionally, Costco is taking measures to expand its fuel network simultaneously. It is worth noting that gasoline prices in the United States have risen significantly since late February, pushing the national average to its highest level after a brief spike in 2022. This increase in fuel prices is primarily driven by a sharp rise in crude oil prices due to the conflict involving GEO Group Inc in Iran - disrupted energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with seasonal spring demand, has added extra upward pressure on retail fuel prices. Major gas station and convenience store operators include Shell (SHEL.US), Chevron Corporation (CVX.US), Valero Energy Corporation (VLO.US), Phillips 66 (PSX.US), Pilot/Flying J, Love's, Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM.US), Canadian Alimentation Couche-Tard's Circle K, Murphy USA, Inc., Casey's General Stores, BP p.l.c. Sponsored ADR's TravelCenters of America, Buc-ee's, Seven & I's 7-11, Speedway, Kum & Go, Wawa, Sheetz, QuikTrip, Kwik Trip, as well as Kroger Co.'s Kwik Shop and Quik Stop chain brands.