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U.S. drivers see windfall over fuel price mistake

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 | 01:01 PM ET

Associated Press

Sure, gasoline prices have come down lately. But to 10.9 cents a litre?

That's what Kelly Joosten and dozens of other motorists paid at a Citgo station in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., on Monday. The sign advertised premium fuel at $3.43 US a gallon [about $1.07 Cdn per litre at the latest dollar exchange rate], but the pump read 34.9 cents US a gallon [10.9 cents Cdn per litre].

"That was amazing," said Joosten, who normally spends about $100 US to fill up her 1998 Ford Expedition.

Joosten proudly showed off her receipt for nearly 100 litres at just over $10 US. She said she saw other motorists filling gas cans, too, at the discounted price.

Station owner J.P. Raval says the attendant on duty couldn't figure out why the station was suddenly so busy.

Raval estimated 30 to 40 customers fuelled up at the incorrect pump price -- between 200 and 300 gallons' worth -- for about 90 minutes.

"People kept coming so fast," Raval said. "Everything was crowded. It was like a fairground."

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