Stripes to Offer CNG at the Pump

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- Stripes is partnering with Apache Corp. to offer compressed natural gas (CNG) at the pump.

Initially, CNG will be sold at two Stripes stores, both located in Midland, Texas. According to Stripes, a division of Susser Holdings Corp., its convenience store and gas station at 3201 E. Highway 158 is expected to offer CNG by Friday, and its 4508 N. Big Spring St. location should sell CNG by the end of 2012.

"Adding natural gas to our conventional motor fuel products reinforces our mission to give Stripes customers what they want at a great price in our [convenience] store locations," said Steve DeSutter, Stripes' president and CEO of Retail. "We certainly see the role of natural gas in our energy future, and we are looking forward to participating as it evolves as a viable alternative transportation fuel. We plan to evaluate the results of our pilot project in west Texas, and if it is successful, we expect to gradually roll out CNG fueling capabilities in other Stripes markets."

Several experts have told CSNews Online that natural gas could become a viable alternative to traditional petroleum because it is cleaner burning, locally produced and cheaper than its counterpart.

"Natural gas discovered and produced in the United States is a smart alternative to conventional fuels," said Steve Farris, Apache's chairman and CEO. "It's cheaper, cleaner and abundant. … Partnering with Stripes provides our fleet and other CNG users with a more convenient fueling experience as well as access to their stores and other amenities."

Although other convenience store chains offer natural gas at the pump, the list is small. Among the c-store chains that offer natural gas are Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Kwik Trip Inc., the Cumberland Gulf Group of Cos. and OnCue Express.

Susser Holdings Corp. has approximately 550 stores in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.