Drivers weigh long trips for cheaper gas as prices spike across Windsor-Essex

Higher gas prices have made many drivers look for the cheaper gas. Is it worth driving for the right price? CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell finds out.

Drivers in Windsor-Essex are going the extra mile — in some cases nearly an hour — to save at the pumps, as gas prices remain high across the region.

At Caldwell Gas and Variety, located on a first nation reserve near Leamington, regular gas was selling for about $1.59 a litre on Wednesday — roughly 30 cents cheaper than in Windsor.

The station has long offered lower prices, but general manager Eva Neustaeter says demand has surged as costs climb elsewhere.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” said Neustaeter, who has worked at the station since it opened three years ago.

“Now, it’s been a crazy volume of increase. We’ve been seeing like double some days. It’s been really hectic, especially over the holidays. The weekends — everybody’s coming from all over the place just to come and save.”

Neustaeter says more drivers are travelling from farther away, including Windsor, with some even calling ahead to check prices before making the trip.

“We are getting people from a little bit further. People that usually travel just to Windsor to get their running around done, but now we’re getting people coming past Windsor that are coming to see us,” she said.

Despite wait times that can stretch from 20 minutes to half an hour, she says customers are willing to line up.

“They’re super grateful,” she said. “They’re happy that they get to save.”

For some drivers, the math makes the trip worthwhile.

“If I fill up, I’m saving like $20,” said Hasan Al Mohamed, a Leamington resident who commutes regularly to Windsor for school. “Twenty bucks is 20 bucks, you know. It’s a decent amount.”

Bruce Pillon agrees, especially for larger vehicles.

“For big trucks, it’s worth it,” he said. “It’s 30 cents cheaper out here than what it is in the city.”

Others say they’re already in the area and take advantage of the lower prices when they can.

“We live in Tecumseh…and we’ve got to bring our dog Harley out for the vet,” said Don Strilchuck. “On the way out here, got to take advantage of the prices.”

Still, not everyone is driving more — some are simply driving less.

“I think it’s disgusting why it has to be so much,” said Gloria Rupert, who says she’s cut back on trips because of high fuel costs.

Mark Colenutt, who lives in Essex, says he’s also changed his habits.

“I’m not driving as much,” he said. “You’ve got to save a few bucks.”

For others, the rising cost of fuel is adding financial pressure.

“You know what? I just want to make sure I’m prepared,” said Tylia Handsor, who was filling jerry cans along with her vehicle. “I’m not working as much as I would like, and I want to keep up on things.”

Some drivers say the savings can be even greater depending on individual circumstances.

“I usually bring my girlfriend with me because she’s got a status card, so it’s cheaper,” said Karen Roberts. “But it’s still cheaper than in Windsor, even if you don’t have a status card.”

Others say the trip pays off regardless.

“People say it’s not worth the drive, but my gas gauge doesn’t move to come out here, have lunch, go back — it doesn’t cost anything extra,” said Jean Amero. “A little bit of money in my pocket is better.”

Even with the time and distance involved, many say the savings add up — especially as prices continue to climb.

“This is the highest we’ve ever had our prices,” Neustaeter told CTV News, while reiterating customer appreciation. “They’re extremely grateful that we’re here for them and we just love helping them.”

Does the math check out?

We did the math, but whether the drive is worth it depends on your vehicle—and gas prices that continue to fluctuate.

Using an average fuel efficiency of 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres, and a current price gap of about 25 cents per litre — roughly $1.84 in Windsor compared to $1.59 in Caldwell — the savings can add up.

Filling a 50-litre tank would cost about $92 in Windsor, and $12.50 less — $79.50 — at Caldwell in Leamington.

However, the round trip to get there costs an estimated $15.34 in fuel, meaning the savings may not outweigh the drive for everyone.

Still, many drivers say as long as prices remain high, they’ll keep making the trip.