Safeway, a well-known supermarket chain across the United States and Canada, offers a variety of non-branded fuels, including regular, diesel, mid-grade, and premium gas. These fuels are sourced directly from tank farms like Kinder Morgan and approved by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM). But, what does this mean for you as a consumer? How does Safeway’s gasoline stack up against other brands, and what should you know before filling up your tank at one of their stations? Let’s take a deep dive into understanding what gas Safeway uses.
Safeway uses a variety of non-branded fuels sourced from different suppliers, including regular, diesel, mid-grade, and premium gas. The gas is approved by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), but it is not Top Tier certified. The quality of Safeway’s gas is considered acceptable for average commuters, and they offer a loyalty rewards program for gas purchases.
Types of Gasoline Offered at Safeway
Safeway offers four main types of fuel: regular, diesel, mid-grade, and premium gas. The octane levels for these fuels are 87 for regular, 89 for mid-grade, and 90-93 for premium gas. Although Safeway’s gas is not Top Tier certified like some other retailers such as Chevron, Costco, and Shell, it is considered acceptable for average commuters.
Safeway’s Gasoline Sourcing
Safeway sources its gasoline from various suppliers, depending on the store’s location. In some areas, Safeway purchases its gas from the same companies as Shell and Chevron, such as Williams Refinery or Tesoro Refinery.
Quality and Safety of Safeway Gasoline
Safeway’s gasoline is approved by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM). However, it isn’t Top Tier certified like some other retailers. The gasoline sold at Safeway is slightly lower in quality and tends to burn faster, requiring customers to refill more frequently.
Safeway must comply with federal, state, industry, quality, and environmental standards to ensure the safety and quality of its gasoline. In the past, Safeway has faced allegations of environmental violations at its gas stations. In 2022, Safeway agreed to an $8 million settlement with the California Attorney General’s office and several district attorneys over these alleged violations. The settlement required Safeway to pay civil penalties and take immediate steps to improve spill and alarm monitoring, employee training, hazardous waste management, and emergency response at its gasoline stations.
Loyalty Rewards for Gas Purchases
Safeway offers loyalty rewards for gas purchases through their Safeway for U™ program. You can earn points by shopping at Safeway stores, with every $1 spent on qualifying grocery purchases earning 1 point, every $1 spent on select pharmacy items earning 1 point, and every $1 spent on qualifying gift cards earning 2 points.
Every 100 points get you a 10¢ per gallon Gas Reward for a single fill-up at participating stations. You can use your points in increments of 100 for a single fill-up at participating stations.
Future Plans for Safeway Gas Stations
Safeway has previously shown interest in sustainable fuel options. In 2007, they tested biodiesel at a gas station in Seattle, offering B-20, a blend of 20% soybean oil and 80% conventional diesel fuel. However, there is no recent information on Safeway’s future plans for introducing sustainable fuel options at their gas stations.
In conclusion, Safeway offers a range of non-branded fuels at competitive prices. While the quality may not be as high as top-tier gasoline brands, Safeway’s gas is safe for use in vehicles and is often a more economical choice for drivers. With the added benefit of their loyalty rewards program, Safeway remains a popular choice for many drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I join the Safeway for U™ program?
You can join the Safeway for U™ program by signing up online on the Safeway website or through the Safeway mobile app. The process is simple and free, requiring only a few basic details like your name, email address, and phone number.
Can I use my Safeway for U™ points at any gas station?
No, the Safeway for U™ points can only be redeemed at participating Safeway gas stations and select partner stations. It’s recommended to check the Safeway website or app for a list of participating stations in your area.
Does Safeway offer any other types of fuel besides regular, diesel, mid-grade, and premium gas?
The blog post mentions that Safeway tested biodiesel fuel in 2007, but there is no recent information about whether Safeway currently offers any other types of fuel. It’s best to contact a local Safeway gas station or check the Safeway website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Is Safeway’s gasoline safe for all types of vehicles?
Yes, Safeway’s gasoline is approved by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), which means it meets the minimum standards required for use in most vehicles. However, always consult your vehicle’s owner manual to make sure you’re using the correct type and grade of gasoline for your specific model.
