The "Single-Source Gasoline" and Grocery Slotting Secret

All competing gas stations in a given region (Shell, BP, Exxon, independent stations) usually draw their unbranded gasoline from the exact same regional storage tank pipeline terminal. The only difference between "premium brand" gas and discount gas is a small batch of proprietary chemical additives pumped into the tanker truck right before it drives off. Similarly, in grocery stores, product placement at eye level isn't about popularity; it's bought through "slotting fees". Brands pay supermarkets up to $100,000 per SKU just for prime shelf positioning.