This gas buying trend indicates financial stress, top industry executives say (opens original article in a new tab)

Industry executives say a trend of topping up gas tanks instead of filling them indicates financial stress among consumers, with lower-income customers cutting back on purchases.

• Consumers are topping up gas tanks more frequently due to concerns about rising prices.
• Walmart and Costco report reduced gas purchases per trip, with Walmart customers buying less than 10 gallons on average.
• Spending behavior shows cutbacks by lower-income customers amid inflation and economic pressures.