Mayor Says 'Boycott' Gas Stations in Town, Researches Other Actions

Mayor Tim Baldermann is calling for a total boycott of the seven gas stations in New Lenox because they're price "gouging." 

Gas stations in New Lenox are charging 12 cents more per gallon of regular than every other station in the Lincoln-Way communities. Of the seven New Lenox stations listed by Gas Buddy—four Speedway, one 7-Eleven, one BP and one Shell station—the price for a gallon of regular gas is exactly the same. New Lenox residents are paying $4.21 per gallon compared to $4.09 in Mokena and Frankfort.

This is the second time that Baldermann has advised residents to take their business elsewhere. That means don't shop in the local gas stations for milk, bread, pop or morning coffee until the owners of these franchises drop prices to coincide with the surrounding communities. 

"There's absolutely no reason for this," he said. "The Speedway at Wolf and Route 30 is 11 or 12 cents cheaper. They get their gas from the same distributor. The stations in New Lenox are 'gouging.'"  

Just over a year ago, New Lenox residents were facing the same dilemma. Gas prices in New Lenox were between $4.14 and 4.19 per gallon, while it was a minimum of 5 cents cheaper in Frankfort.

He reasons the prices here are higher because "we live close to I-80 and 355" that people won't drive out of town to get gas."  The owners of these local franchises don't live in town. "I'm not taking business away from a locally-owned" business.   

Baldermann said he's researching other avenues to force the gas stations in town to bring their prices in line with the rest of the Lincoln-Way area. "I'm consulting with counsel" to see what other alternatives are available.

"I'm looking into alternative things we can do."

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