Walmart is stepping into the fuel market, planning to launch over 45 gas stations nationwide this year. The move puts them in direct competition with Costco and may reshape how Americans fuel up—right in the parking lot where they already shop.
Key Facts:
- Walmart plans to open more than 45 gas stations across the U.S. in 2025.
- This puts Walmart in direct competition with Costco, which earns 12% of its revenue from fuel sales.
- Unlike Costco, Walmart’s fuel stations will be open to all customers—not just members.
- Costco has responded by extending gas station hours, with most now open until 10 p.m.
- Retailers are leveraging fuel as a consistent revenue source amid inflation and tariff pressures.
The Rest of The Story:
Walmart’s latest move to enter the gasoline business is drawing attention as it plans to open over 45 new gas stations this year.
The decision is seen as a direct response to Costco’s profitable fuel business, which accounted for about 12% of its total sales in 2024.
Unlike Costco, which requires membership for access to its pumps, Walmart is aiming for a more inclusive model—anyone can fill up.
“As EVs remain a long-term play, gas is still king,” said Joe Camberato, CEO of NationalBusinessCapital.com.
That sentiment is echoed throughout the retail industry as electric vehicle adoption lags behind projections.
Retailers like Walmart are under pressure from inflation, supply chain challenges, and the looming impact of tariffs on Chinese goods.
Fuel sales offer a stable, high-volume revenue stream.
“Walmart’s latest move is a clear signal of intent,” said Manish Choudhary of SymphonyAI.
Commentary:
Walmart’s entry into the gas station market is more than just a play for profit—it’s a smart strategic move rooted in consumer behavior and economic realities.
Americans rely on Walmart not just for groceries, but for household goods, apparel, electronics, and even car maintenance.
Adding fuel to the list simply completes the cycle.
Gas is a commodity, but convenience is everything.
If a family can get dinner, diapers, a new phone charger, and a full tank of gas—all at the same stop—they will.
That’s the sort of customer loyalty money can’t buy, but smart infrastructure can build.
It’s also a blow to Costco’s membership model.
By making gas available to everyone, Walmart could siphon off a major reason many people maintain a Costco card—cheap fuel.
Combine that with longer store hours and Walmart’s ubiquitous locations, and you have a recipe for serious disruption.
Walmart is playing to its strengths: scale, accessibility, and familiarity.
The company already dominates retail traffic in many American communities.
That means a built-in customer base that doesn’t need to change its routine to benefit.
While environmental advocates continue pushing for EV adoption, Walmart is reading the room.
EVs are still a long-term investment, and most Americans still drive gas-powered vehicles.
That won’t change overnight, no matter how many incentives are offered.
This move may also insulate Walmart from rising costs tied to tariffs and inflation.
If they can’t hold prices down on imported goods, offering savings at the pump helps keep their brand promise alive: everyday low prices.
Expect this expansion to be successful.
Walmart has the logistics, the land, and the traffic to make it work—and once it’s established, it becomes very difficult for smaller competitors to catch up.
The Bottom Line:
Walmart is expanding into gas stations in a move designed to boost revenue and compete directly with Costco.
With over 45 fuel stations planned and no membership requirement, Walmart is positioning itself as the ultimate one-stop shop.
This is good news for consumers, who may benefit from more accessible and potentially cheaper fuel options.
It’s also a reminder that even as the EV future approaches, the fuel economy of today still holds major business value.
Read Next
– AI Company CEO Warns White Collar ‘Bloodbath’ Coming Soon, Says No One Taking Threat Seriously
– Big Economic Indicator Stuns Experts with Dramatic Increase in May