Here's a phrase you haven't heard since probably the early 1970s: "There's a gas war!" For you youngsters, a gas war is when one service station drops its prices to undercut a nearby rival.
For a mile stretch along south Utica, prices are well below what is being charged in the rest of the city. The Conoco station at 15th and Utica is charging $3.06 for cash purchases of gasoline, while a half mile north, the Quik-Trip at 11th and Utica is selling gasoline for $3.06 cash or credit.
The gas war extends a few blocks east on 11th street to the Fast Lane, where regular unleaded is $3.09. The cheapest station is near 4th and Utica, and is called the Corner Store. It's price for regular unleaded is $3.05.
Not all stations in the area are taking part. A Sinclair station two blocks away from the Corner Store is charging $3.21 a gallon, while the Phillips 66 at 15th and Utica wants $3.20 for a gallon of regular unleaded.