This hot product hits Walmart and Costco shelves in the US, competing with top companies

Walmart and Costco have opted to heat things up in a key arena for American shoppers: retailing gasoline. As the shift to electric cars is proceeding slowly, demand for conventional fuel remains high. For this reason, these retail giants are opening store with gas stations aimed at enticing and retaining shoppers across the United States.

Walmart is adding more than 45 new stores in 2025, up to a total of 450 stores across 34 states. Meanwhile, Costco is responding by extending the hours at most of its member-exclusive gas stations, adapting to higher demand and reaffirming its strategy of holding onto loyal customers amid inflation and competition.

ALSO SEE: Walgreens announces store closures: Which locations are shutting down in June 2025?

Gasoline: an essential product fueling between Walmart and Costco

In America, gasoline remains a necessity for a majority of drivers, as widespread adoption is yet in the process. This makes selling gasoline an important line of business for big retailing chains looking to maintain market share. Some of the major efforts by Walmart and Costco in the gas business are:

• Walmart will open over 45 new stations in 2025, totaling more than 450 across 34 states.
• Discounts of up to 10 cents per gallon for Walmart+ members.
• Costco has extended gas station hours, now open until 10 p.m.
• Both chains aim to build customer loyalty in a challenging economic climate.

Walmart's expansion: more stations and perks for U.S. customers

Walmart wishes to control its convenience model by putting stations in non-Murphy USA stores with the potential to stand alone and maximize coverage. Aside from bringing fuel to all consumers, the chain offers savings of up to 10 cents on each gallon for Walmart+, the members of its loyalty program.

In the stations are grab-and-go stores that make shopping even more convenient and faster. The strategy not only attracts more consumers but also works to offset impacts of tariffs on Chinese products, Walmart officials say.

Costco responds with extended hours and focuses on member loyalty

Costco maintains its member-only model and has decided to extend hours at its gas stations, now open until 10 p.m., an additional hour from before. Some are even opening sooner to better meet demand, CEO Rob Vachris confirmed.

Though the company has not made available public elaborate comments, the move will compete on prices and services and instill customer loyalty through competitive prices and services tailored to an economically sensitive and inflation-sensitive market.