In this Economy, Reservation Gas Just Makes Sense

By: Sarah Baase

For college students, saving money wherever possible is basically a survival skill. Between tuition, books, food, and trying to have a social life, gas can feel like just another expensive thing you have to deal with. That’s why places like Smokin Joe’s Gas are actually a really good option compared to more common gas stations like 7-Eleven.

For example, an article written for PBS News explains, “In eastern New York state, on Cattauragus Indian Territory between Buffalo and Erie, Pennsylvania, the cheapest gas was about $3.65 at more than half a dozen stations — 50 cents less than in towns nearby.”

College Students Don’t Have to Stress

When you’re a college student, even saving a few cents per gallon adds up over time.

Smokin Joe’s appeal is that it cuts out some of the extra costs you don’t really need.

With the U.S. Courts not having the authority to collect taxes from Native Americans on their land, it benefits them immensely and attributes to the way they can provide gas for anyone.

A PBS interviewee states, “The Supreme Court consistently held to this view and it’s one of the most enduring principles in federal Indian law.”

Regular gas stations like 7-Eleven are built around convenience, which is nice, but it also means you’re often paying higher gas prices to support the store, snacks, and other services.

With Smokin Joe’s focusing more on selling gas at a lower price instead of trying to upsell you on everything else, that is a very big advantage for students.

Keep in mind of the fact that a lot of college students commute, whether it’s driving to campus, going to work, or heading home on weekends. This means that if you’re driving a lot, finding a cheaper place to fill up becomes even more important. Smokin Joe’s helps make commuting a little less painful financially.

Onto the Big Question

Some people might assume that cheaper gas means lower quality, but that’s not really the case. Smokin Joe’s still meets the same basic requirements as other stations. So you’re not really sacrificing anything important—you’re just paying less for essentially the same product. For a college student, that’s the ideal situation.