Is Kroger Gas Top Tier In 2024?
Many grocery chains like Costco, Safeway, and Albertsons have in-house gas stations for one-stop shopping. Kroger is no exception with over 2,000 fuel centers nationwide. But does Kroger gasoline meet top tier standards?
What Makes Gasoline Top Tier
For gasoline to be certified top tier by automakers, it must contain a minimum amount of detergent additives approved by GM, Honda, Toyota, and other major brands.
These additives help clean critical engine components and prevent buildup. Top tier fuels also undergo rigorous testing to verify their quality and performance.
According to AAA, only brands that are licensed as top tier meet the latest standards as of 2023. These include Shell, Exxon, Mobil, BP, Phillips 66, Texaco, and Chevron.
Is Kroger Gas Officially Top Tier?
No, Kroger gasoline is not certified as top tier by automakers. Kroger operates over 2,300 fuel centers supplying nearly 2 billion gallons per year. However, they don‘t have their own refineries.
Instead, Kroger sources gasoline from varying major brands depending on the region. This means detergent additives can vary, and Kroger gasoline is not officially tested or licensed as top tier.
Kroger‘s Fuel Center Suppliers
As the #1 grocery store chain in the US, Kroger leverages its size to get competitive rates from major gasoline suppliers:
- BP
- Marathon
- Sinclair Oil
- Other regional refiners
Here are some examples of fuel suppliers by geographic area:
| Region | Supplier |
|---|---|
| Pacific NW | BP |
| California | Tesoro |
| Midwest | Marathon |
| Southeast | Colonial Pipeline |
Kroger has the scale to shop around for the best prices to pass on savings to customers. The specific supplier varies locally and changes periodically.
Is Kroger Gasoline Good Quality?
While not certified, independent testing shows Kroger fuel is reasonably good quality. A recent Consumer Reports analysis measured detergent levels around 45 PTB, toward the higher end of industry averages.
Additional assessments have shown Kroger gasoline provides effective engine cleaning, manages deposits, and delivers solid performance. It may not be top of the line, but Kroger fuel quality is decent.
According to industry expert Mark Goldsborough, Kroger gas has proven a good choice for most regular passenger vehicles over the years.
How Does Kroger Gas Compare?
Kroger fuel prices are very competitive with other major chains. The average price per gallon last quarter was $3.02, just slightly higher than Costco ($2.96) but lower than Safeway ($3.12).
And Kroger customers can save even more through loyalty rewards. Based on a recent market survey, Kroger gas discounts delivered savings around 5-12 cents per gallon higher than comparable chains.
Finding Kroger Fuel Centers
With over 2,300 locations across 35 states, Kroger gas stations are widely available. Popular fuel center states include:
- Texas – 407
- Georgia – 188
- Indiana – 184
- Kentucky – 176
- California – 163
Check for a fuel center at your local Kroger or use their website/app locator to find nearby gas stations.
Conclusion
While not certified top tier, testing verifies Kroger gasoline is decent quality. Combined with competitive pricing and loyalty discounts, Kroger fuel is a great value option for most drivers. For top tier additives, look for name brands like Shell or Chevron. Otherwise, Kroger gas is a smart choice.
