Costco, an American retail giant, reports record demand at its gas stations. Muitos establishments had to call tanker trucks several times a day to avoid shortages. Gasoline prices exceed US$4 per gallon in several regions of the country. The company offers fuel for about 30 cents less than local stations.
Esse movement even attracted members who were not used to sourcing on the network. The volume of gasoline sales broke successive records in the fiscal quarter ending in May 2026. Metade of drivers who stop at gas stations also enter stores to make purchases.
Postos overwhelmed by demand
Costco’s 747 gas stations in Estados Unidos have been operating at capacity in recent weeks. Executivos reported that all three four-week periods of the fiscal quarter set new volume records. The final five weeks were the busiest in the company’s history.
Motoristas are reluctant to pay higher prices elsewhere. Muitos fill the tank more frequently, even with smaller quantities, to anticipate possible increases. The company maintains fuel with a low margin of just a few cents per gallon.
- Postos calls for extra tanks several times a day
- New Clientes appear in search of savings
- Metade Supplies Leads to In-Store Shopping
- Volume sales broke records in every window of the quarter
Essa strategy sustains the constant flow of people. The chain avoids running out of stock despite the pressure of demand.
Business Modelo Sustains Low Prices
Costco makes a profit from gasoline, but the margin is small. Diferente from independent stations, which charge 25 to 35 cents per gallon more, the company prioritizes volume and loyalty. Membership fees account for about two-thirds of total profits.
Produtos sold at cost price or with a minimum margin complete the revenue. The famous hot dog and soda combo for US$1.50 exemplifies this philosophy. Quando the average price of gasoline falls, the company’s gross margin improves. Last year, with values below US$3 per gallon for a long period, the indicator rose 0.1 percentage point.
Fuel sales were down $2.3 billion compared to the previous year, but store traffic made up for it. CEO Roland Vachris highlighted that members who use the stations tend to spend more inside the units.
Frango baked goods and products at the back of the store attract more purchases
Costco positions roast chicken for US$4.99 at the back of stores. The price attracts customers who browse the aisles and end up taking other items. Descontos in meat and eggs reinforce this dynamic.
Cerca of half of the drivers who supply supplies go to the shelves. The increase in member traffic increased store flow by around 5%. The average amount spent by these customers also rose.
Executivos observed that gasoline represents a larger share of household expenses. Isso gives the network a competitive advantage. Durante the earnings call, the topic appeared dozens of times.
Impacto in quarterly results
Costco’s net sales grew 11.6% in the fiscal third quarter to $69.15 billion. The fuel helped to exceed market expectations. Comparable sales, excluding exchange rate effects and gasoline prices, also increased.
The membership model maintains a high renewal rate. Membros new and old seek savings on fuel and find competitive prices in supermarkets. Analistas point out that the combination of low cost and convenience sustains performance even in periods of inflation.
Expansão and prospects
The chain continues to invest in gas stations. The focus remains on serving existing members and attracting new ones. Executivos expects station usage to remain high as long as gasoline prices remain under pressure.
Clientes value the price difference. Long Filas, which at other times kept people away, are now tolerated by the economy offered. The Costco transforms fuel into the gateway to the rest of your purchases.
The strategy balances low margin at the station with high volume and complementary sales within the store. Esse cycle keeps the network in a favorable position in American retail.