California drivers will catch a brief break at the pump this week, with Circle K offering 40 cents off every gallon of gas for one day only.
The gas station and convenience store chain — which operates more than 400 locations statewide — is rolling out the discount on Thursday, Feb. 12, just ahead of Valentine’s Day weekend travel, a period when fuel costs often strain household budgets.
The promotion comes as motorists across California continue to face some of the highest gas prices in the nation, even as new pressures loom over the state’s fuel supply. Phillips 66 is preparing to shut down its Wilmington refinery, and Valero plans to idle its Benicia refinery later this year. State filings show more than 200 workers are expected to be laid off in March at the Bay Area facility.
Before pulling up to the pump, however, drivers should note there’s a catch: the discount is only available to members of Circle K’s Inner Circle rewards program.
Here’s what to know.
When is the Circle K discount?
The deal is all day Feb. 12, so from midnight through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday.
You can become a Circle K Inner Circle member by downloading the Circle K app, visiting Circle K’s website or by texting 25020 to opt in. Just be sure you’ve fully registered. You’ll need to input your phone number associated with the account at the pump for the discount to apply.
Where is there a Circle K near me?
You can use the Circle K’s store locator to find a location near you.
Gas prices across California
In the Los Angeles–Long Beach metro area, the average price of regular gas is $4.55 as of Feb. 11.
Elsewhere across Southern California and the state:
Southern California
Bay Area
Central California
Northern California
AAA data shows upward movement in every major region compared with a month ago.
Here’s how to find the cheapest gas station near me
GasBuddy is one option if you’re looking for more affordable gas near you. According to GasBuddy, a gallon of gas is less than $3.65 at several gas stations in San Gabriel, Long Beach and Westminster in Los Angeles County.
You can search by major areas or counties to see where users find lower gas prices near you.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Gas prices rise in California. Get 40 cents off every gallon for a day
Reporting by Paris Barraza, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
