Skip to Content News Archives Economy Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials HomeCommoditiesEnergyOil & GasOn the fuel frontlines: A day inside an Alberta gas station during an energy crisisWatch: FP takes you behind the counter at Gas King, a local station in Lethbridge, Alta., where gas prices are shaping what people spend and how often they shopLast updated 1 hour ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Kelly Klimchuck is the district sales manager for Gas King, an independent chain of fuel stations in southern Alberta. Photo by Brent Calver/PostmediaA day at Gas King doesn’t really have a scriptSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor“Expect the unexpected,” Kelly Klimchuk, district sales manager, says during a tour of the independent retailer’s flagship location south of Calgary in Lethbridge, Alta.Business starts ramping up around 4:30 a.m. And there’s always something keeping the staff busy, whether it’s stock shelves, repairing equipment or talking to customers who can’t believe the price of fuel.Klimchuk says customers are concerned when prices change overnight, especially when there’s no obvious local reason. His answer is that the station is “way downstream” from the forces setting prices. Gas King can try to stay competitive, but it doesn’t control speculation, global markets or conflict.That leaves staff trying to run a normal business during an abnormal time in oil markets.Customers are already changing their habits. Some still fill up. Others stop at $40 or $60 and come back more often, perhaps betting prices will be lower next time. Steve Ouellet, the assistant store manager and kitchen manager, says some regulars are splitting fuel purchases across the week, trying to stretch their money to payday.It might sound surprising, but this is not a good time for gas stations, either. When prices are high, it’s tougher to make a profit. Watch as Klimchuk takes us on a tour behind the counter at Gas King, to find out what it’s actually like to run an independent fuel retailer during an energy crisis. Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.