Shell 3207

On the day of this review, this Shell station is charging $ 2.08 for regular, $ 2.40 for mid-​grade and $ 2.91 for premium. Seriously? $ 0.83 more for premium? I think the owners are hoping that people just see the low price on the sign for regular, and forget to check the premium price at the tank. All the other nearby stations are charging $ 0.40 more for premium, not $ 0.83! Crazy!

You may be asking yourself, «do we really need another Unilocaler reviewing a gas station?» I mulled over this very same question and I’ve concluded, «yes, good people, we do need to take another look at Shell 3207.» For what I offer is a cautionary tale.
I could talk about the relatively disinterested store clerk, the generic supply of beer, soda and snacks or any number of things that would apply to the vast majority of gas stations across this country. But I have a more specific concern.
I’ve used a lot of gas pumps in my life. Perhaps I’ve become conditioned to having the gas grades in numerical order: 87−89−93. It makes sense, and from my experience, it’s been used by all the gas stations I’ve patronized. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
It seems Shell 3207 has gone rogue. During my first visit, I pulled up to the pump, swiped my card and punch the grade to my left. As the freedom fluid started flowing from the nozzle to my gas tank, I noticed something wasn’t right. The price per gallon was a full $.10 higher than what grade 87 should have been. And then the truth hit me. Upon examining the gas grades, I discovered the sequence went 89−87−93. I was getting a higher octane, albeit at a higher price, which displeased me greatly. Any improved mileage in a truck like mine is negligible.
I’ll concede that this incident should be chalked up as, «You’re an idiot, be more observant next time.» But a small part of me wonders if this is subtle «trickery» on the part of Shell 3207. Maybe there is a perfectly good reason for them to have the 89−87−93 sequence at their station. The world may never know.
I have returned to this station a few more times because it’s on the beaten path and I needed gas.
Shell 3207 may be on the vanguard of something new and exciting for the arrangement of fuel grades. For my purposes, though, I’ll stick with the stations where I can be a mindless idiot and punch the left grade, knowing I’ll get my regular 87 octane.

Basic Shell station. Good gas prices, limited convenience store. Has car wash as well.