Business · Energy & Commodities · 11 hrs ago
Why Paying for Gas Can Feel Worse Than Other Purchases
The U.S. national average price of a gallon of gas is breaking records, adding to pressure from the cost-of-living crisis.
Filling a car can feel worse than paying for many other things because the driver watches the total rise while the gas is going into the tank.
Psychologists call the discomfort of handing over money the “pain of paying.”
It tends to be stronger when paying and using something happen at the same time.
A study of internet customers found that many chose a flat monthly fee even when paying for what they used would have cost less.
The article describes this preference as the “taxi meter effect”: seeing a charge build can make a service less enjoyable.
Some drivers look for cheaper gas, but travelling farther can use up the money they save.
Paying for gas can feel worse than other purchases because drivers watch the cost rise while they are filling the tank.
The article describes this as paying and consuming at the same time, which keeps the cost in view.
Researchers Prelec and Loewenstein called the unpleasant feeling of handing over money the “pain of paying.”
The article says people may prefer flat fees to usage-based charges to avoid watching costs accumulate.
It also says drivers may search for cheaper gas, even when driving farther could use up the savings.
- Who
- U.S. drivers and gas customers.
- What
- The article explains why paying for gas can feel especially unpleasant.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- At gas stations in the United States.
- Why
- Drivers see the running total rise as they consume the fuel, keeping the cost constantly in view.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
pain of paying
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Publication date
- 2026-10-11
- Research cited
- Prelec and Loewenstein, 1998
- Research cited
- Lambrecht and Skiera, 2006
- Setting
- Gas stations in the United States
Sources
Related news
European stocks fall further behind Wall Street as energy and debt concerns grow
ECB may launch new long-term bank funding operations in 2027
Global PC shipments fell 20% in the third quarter of 2026
Bond Selloff Could Reduce Need for Central Bank Rate Hikes
Tesla renames its European driver-assistance system after regulator criticism
SoftBank seeks up to $100 billion from Gulf investors for AI
VW chief urges France and Germany to work together on China car competition
Energy leaders meet in Riyadh to discuss supply security and markets
IMF and World Bank to discuss global economic risks in Bangkok
IMF and World Bank to warn central bankers of gathering storm
IEA urges members to consider releasing more diesel from strategic reserves
