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Some stations are forced or encouraged to sell gas at no profit or even at a loss by the oil companies that they lease from. they are basically forced to make their money from other souces, such as convenience store sales or auto service. Some independent owners are not forced to do so and do not have the resources and/or additional profit streams to make up the difference and therefore will be significantly different in price. The guy may have eventually given up and sold the place, but the new owner kept the employees.
Also, the charge card company charges the retailer about 5%, so that could explain part of the price drop when credit cards are not being accepted. That's why some independent station owners offer different cash and credit costs. The larger companies do not allow their franchises to do that.
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