Branded or Unbranded Gas. What’s the difference?
What is the difference between gas sold at a branded gas station (Branded) and gas sold at a Mom and Pop or Costco (Unbranded)?
Branded gasoline is differentiated by the “additive” package that is added to basic gas. You will recognize the names because of the BIG marketing dollars spent telling us why one additive, such as Chevron with Techron, is better for your car than the competition think Shell V-Power.
Major refineries trade Gasoline and Diesel in order to supply their customers in many locations. An example, is when a company with a refinery in Northern Ca trades or sells product to a company who has a refinery in Southern California. In addition, product is shipped through pipelines and used by refiners, traders, and marketers alike. Once the product is at the loading facility (rack), the major brands add “special” additive packages that they hope will entice you to buy from their stations instead of the competition.
Is it bad for my car if I buy from an Unbranded station (Costco)?
No. Even without the additive packages, all fuel sold at gas stations must meet minimum federal and state specifications. The Branded stations quote added benefits of using their fuel, but essentially you are buying it because the movie “Cars” was cute.