Gas Station Tacking on Car Wash Charge at Pumps

As if Forest Hills commuters haven't had enough to contend with over the last few weeks, they're still dealing with gas shortages across the region. 

On Thursday morning, Gas Sale, at the corner of Woodhaven and Yellowstone boulevards, appeared to be one of the only stations in the neighborhood with a supply, and it had some patrons hot under the collar.

The station, which had a line that snaked from its entrance on Woodhaven past Ingram Street, was charging $7.99 for a mandatory car wash before patrons were allowed to fill their tank.

"I'm shocked, it should be my choice, it's very unfair," said driver Phyllis Darrow, who had waited in line two hours only to find out about the policy. "It seems like price gouging." 

Darrow complained to a police officer stationed to keep the peace, only to find out that there was nothing that could be done because the $7.99 charge was in exchange for a car wash.

Behind the counter inside, two harried attendants who would not give their names, defended the policy, saying that because of the number of people working the pumps, the station wasn't making a profit on their gas, which was selling for $4.49 per gallon, with only regular-grade fuel available. 

"We're not making anything on gas," one woman said. "We have to make money." 

Unsuspecting commuters were caught off guard as they waited in line. 

"I went to Corona, I went to Rego Park," said Yana Davidov, "As far as I know this is the only place that has gas." Davidov had waited in line for an hour and hadn't yet discovered the car wash policy. 

Still need gas? Here are some fuel-finding resources

Google Maps' "Superstorm Sandy Crisis Map" contains updated data on where to find fuel as well as many other resources. Follow this link directly to Brooklyn and Queens.

Hess Station Fuel Information: Hess is regularly updating the fuel inventory of hundreds of stations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia. The company advises drivers to hit stations reporting over 5,000 gallons of gas. 

Occupy Sandy Open Gas Station Finder: City-specific gas station information that is updated periodically. Send updates on gas station status to OccupySandy@interoccupy.net.

CT-NJ-NY-PA Open Gas Stations via Reddit: Upside, this document has all major gas companies listed. Downside, it's not clear how often the document is updated.

QueensNYC.com has an extensive list of resources.