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Gas prices, of course, fluctuate constantly. Prices at the pumps reflect a variety of factors such as crude oil supplies and gasoline inventories, refinery operations and gasoline pipeline deliveries, along with time of year and location.

Most consumers probably know that retail gasoline prices tend to gradually rise in the spring and peak in late summer, when people drive more frequently. Gasoline prices then start to dip in the fall and are generally lower in winter months.

Locations such as Hawaii, Washington, Oregon and California typically have higher gas prices, while states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi hover around the lower end of the gas price spectrum.

Other places where you’ll tend to see higher gas prices, regardless of “typical” prices in the area, are near airports and in tourist areas. And if it’s a gas station near an airport in a tourist town, you’ll see prices like these.

Frankly, I always thought those were the 2 highest priced gas stations in Central Florida, period. But the other day I found a gas station that not only beat those, but might just be one of the highest, if not THE highest-priced gas stations in, not just the state, but the country.

Gas prices in Central Florida are currently fluctuating between approximately $2.89 and $3.19 per gallon. But this place…$8.99/gallon, anyone?

The rest of the story

The property, which is part gas station, part market, and is attached to a taco place (“Mexas Tacos”), is located at 8788 Vineland Avenue, in Lake Buena Vista, FL. If you’re familiar with the area, it’s near the corner of I-4 and Rt. 535, across from Marriott Village. Vineland Ave. is the curvy street many people take to get to the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.

I started researching the gas station and apparently it’s had insane prices for years. Gas Buddy has had bad reviews for it going back to at least 2016. It has an average of 1.1 stars on Yelp that go as far back as 2011 (back then they “only” charged $5.79/gallon). And it’s been a topic of conversation on Reddit, every few months, for years.

However once the “What a rip off!” and “They’re price gouging!” venting ends, discussions all point to the same story:

Apparently the owner had no interest in buying a gas station; he wanted to open a taco restaurant on the plot. However the property was already zoned to be a gas station, so he wasn’t allowed to remove the pumps. SO he purposely made, and continues to make, the prices sky high to encourage people not to buy gas there.

Interesting factoid – despite complaints and pointing fingers, he’s technically not price gouging. “Price gouging is a situation where businesses take advantage of an external crisis to charge excessive prices for basic necessities – selling the goods significantly above their usual price.” (economicshelp.org) His gas prices are ALWAYS that high. It’s not really price gouging if he doesn’t raise prices during emergency situations (which, BTW, is illegal in 37 states, including Florida).

It was an interesting story, and since the place is only about 8 or 9 miles from my house, I stopped by recently.

The property is exactly as described – a gas station with $8.99/gal purchase price, a “market” and Mexas Tacos restaurant.

The taco place was HOPPING – every spot was taken on that side of the parking lot. And no wonder…although the gas station gets 1.1 stars, Mexas Tacos gets 4.4 stars. Recent reviews include descriptors such as:

• “The queso was the right consistency and a really generous serving – the guacamole was amazing” (June 2025)
• “The food is amazing!” (May, 2025)
• “We found this place and I tell you with conviction the food was outstanding.” (March, 2025)
• “When I arrived, the small place had a steady amount of customers. Many of them were police officers. This made me hopeful since local law enforcement goes to the places that either a) have great food, b) great value, or c) both… This place is a gem,” (February, 2025)

The market and gas station? Not so busy. Actually…nothing. Just me.

I went into the market, which looks like every “market attached to a gas station” known to man. The guy behind the counter gave a very friendly “Hello!” and I said, “Hi!” back. I bought an iced tea ($2.79. Not cheap but not an insanely high price either, considering it was a gas station market) and while he was ringing me up, I asked why the gas prices were so high.

His demeanor immediately went from neutral to a little sour and he pointed to a sign next to the credit card reader that said, “THIS GAS STATION IS A PRIVATELY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISE.”

I said, “Yeah, but aren’t most gas stations privately owned and operated franchises?” His face became even more negative as he said, “You’ll have to ask the owner. He sets the price.”

OK dude, whatever.

I didn’t pursue the matter with him because I had no intention of asking the owner. I have even less intention of ever buying gas there and from the looks of things, it doesn’t seem that even the tourists do very often, either (I hope not – if the gas just sits in the underground tanks, rarely used, it would make for some REALLY skunky gas!)

So there ya go. $8.99/gallon. Definitely the most expensive gas I’ve ever seen in recent history. I don’t know if the reason behind this place’s gas prices is truth or urban legend. But the adjoining taco place is apparently amazeballs.

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