Stripes LLC, a subsidiary of Susser Holdings Corporation is partnering with Houston-based oil and gas company Apache Corporation to add natural gas fueling dispensers at selected Stripes® convenience store locations. Initially, compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling capability will be available at two Stripes locations in the Midland, Texas area, both operational before year-end.
Susser Holdings is based in Corpus Christi, Texas and operates approximately 550 convenience stores in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma under the Stripes banner.
Steve DeSutter, Stripes President and CEO – Retail, said, “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 convenient store locations. 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,” DeSutter said.
Steve Farris, Apache’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Natural gas discovered and produced in the United States is a smart alternative to conventional fuels. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and abundant. We use it for our fleet cars and trucks with great results, lowering operating costs and reducing our environmental footprint. 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.”
The first two Stripes facilities to offer CNG are located in Midland at:
• 3201 East Highway 158, which is expected to be operational by the end of November, and
• 4508 N. Big Spring St., which is expected to be operational by the end of December.
Today compressed natural gas is priced 30% to 40% lower than gasoline or diesel on a gallon-equivalent basis, which means a big savings at the pump while also reducing vehicle exhaust emissions. According to the Department of Energy Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Pricing Report and the Institute of Energy Research, known domestic resources could satisfy U.S. needs for more than 100 years.
(This article compiled using information from an Apache Corporation press release)
