Internet Business Adds Gas Sales To The List

There may be light at the end of the tunnel for rising gas prices. Drivers are at the mercy of the oil business when it comes to filling up their tanks. But one company says your next trip down the

Saturday, February 26th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

There may be light at the end of the tunnel for rising gas prices. Drivers are at the mercy of the oil business when it comes to filling up their tanks. But one company says your next trip down the information superhighway could get you some e-fuel.

Filling up the tank these days you might think you're actually paying for a tiger and not just a tank of gas.

"It's getting outrageous," says Motorist Jeff Pingrey.

One Internet company says it's about to get cheaper. Priceline.com already takes bids on airplane tickets, groceries and other goods. Starting in May its adding gas to the list. Consumers will be able to go on line and pay for their gas.

First, you select the grade of gas you want, then type in your tank size. Next list your favorite gas stations. Then name your price per gallon of gas and the number of fill-ups you want. Wait 60 seconds and print out your prepaid gas list to see if your bid is accepted.

Priceline.com says they'll save you 10 to 20 cents per gallon, but gas retailers say that's not enough consumers want convenience.

"I doubt it, gas prices are such a thin margin anyway it's not going to be able to give that great of a deal," says Motorist Paul Clayton.

And retailers may be right.

"It's too convenient the way it is right now," says Motorist Michelle Mubbartt.

And with gas prices expected to continue to rise priceline.com thinks it has a wide-open market. But the true test will come when the Internet gas bidding begins in May. No new equipment will be needed. The cards will work like a debit card.