Trump promotes ‘Freedom Fuel’ stations that sell cheap gas. How they’re able to do so is unclear

 https://edition.cnn.com/2026/07/09/business/trump-freedom-fuel-stations

Station owners set their own fuel prices, and the overwhelming majority of gas stations in the country are small businesses that run on thin margins, not the major oil companies that often have their brands on the stations. Many make most of their money on the convenience store items sold inside, like snacks and drinks.

There is no way the stations can be profitable – or even sustainable – charging that much below cost, according to Jeff Lenard, spokesperson for the National Association of Convenience Stores, which represents stores that sell about 80% of the fuel sold nationwide.

“There’s no way those stations could operate the way a traditional retailer would, without at least breaking even on fuel,” said Lenard.