Emerald Oil

I used to patronize this place, because it was right up the street, and I blindly assumed it was cheaper than the two Shell stations up and down the street from it (my mistake). What I started noticing is that they really screw over the customers that care enough about their car to use 91 octane. Most gas stations price the gasoline in 10 cent increments, so the gap between regular unleaded and premium is about $.20 a gallon. I drove by the place last night (I stopped shopping there 10 – 12 months ago when they started hiking the prices on 91) and it was $ 2.59 for regular and $ 2.99 for premium. A 40 cent price difference for something that doesn’t cost anything extra to refine? Give me a break.
The Shell at the end of Lake Murray Blvd down by the 8 west onramp has better gas for less, and I know when I go to Shell that there is a nationwide standard for pump cleanliness and maintenance. The difference between «cheap» and «good» gas stations is not the actual quality of their fuel, but how they maintain their pumps and clear out mineral deposits and buildup within the pump. Pay the same amount and go to a place down the road that has to care about their reputation.

this gas station rules good service and good liquor whew wee awesome place to get gas

Friendly staff and easiest place in the neighborhood to buy personal shots-​when in a pinch. Whether it’s 6am or 10pm!

Best prices in town by far.
Independently owned and operated.
I like to frequent businesses that are like this as I’m also a small business owner in the area.

Decent gas prices. Friendly service. Access in and out is easy. Plenty of parking. Store items are pretty much the same as other area gas station. Nothing really special. One of last few independent gas stations in the area.

Propane Rip-​Off … You live and learn. I ran over to my local gas station where propane costs $ 3.19 per gallon INCLUDING tax. Their pump wasn’t working, so went up to Emerald Gas Station where I figured the cost would be slightly less than my brand name gas station because they tout low prices for gas. WRONG !! Emerald charged me $ 4.59 per gallon PLUS tax. I had the food on the grill, so I had to bite the bullet. Cost me just short of $ 22 for 4.4 gallons. WHAT A RIP OFF. I won’t be patronizing Emerald Gas again. For anything…
Regarding the coupon and exchange. Most 5 gallon tanks have over half a gallon of propane in them when they register as empty. When you exchange propane bottles at Emerald Gas, you pay for 5 gallons, and in exchange you gave them a ½ gallon that they gave you no credit for. BUYER BEWARE

I like the cash discount and they have free water when you spend $ 40 in gas! I would chose this place over Shell or Chevron any day. They are always $ 0.20-$ 0.30 less than the other gas stations around.

Amazing! Seven years on Unilocal and my review was removed because I suggested a nearby competitor (who I named) had not only cheaper propane, but better service without the hassle that several reviewers had experienced. Thank you for that, as it gives me a chance to rewrite my review.
I have been there several times in the last few months and the price of gas is ok, but not great, but the service is consistently unfriendly. They act as if they are doing me a favor selling me gas.
As for the propane, go through my reviews and you’ll figure out where to buy it, or send me a message.

Gem gas station to have in La Mesa. Employees and owner are very friendly! :)
You also get to enjoy a free bottled water with a $ 40 fill up.

As good as it gets is an understatement. I purchased the groupon for the propane and unlike the other reviews. it went perfectly smooth. The clerk was pleasant and went out of their way to make sure I was happy.
Then I looked at the gas price and I was like DAMN!!! Let me fill up my gas too!
I live near by and its off the highway so when I really need to fill up. I truly take the extra 2 minutes to help this business. Its locally owned so you know your part of the community when you help buy gas from these people.
Keep up the good work guys!
Oh and they give you a free bottle water for filling up your tank! :) Icing on the cake!

Cheapest gas near home. They offer a free bottle of water if you spend $ 40 or more, and they have candy with a funny sign. It’s delightfully independently owned.

Best Price On Gas, Propane And Everything… Nice People.
Will do what it takes to make you Happy…

I go out of my way to get gas at Emerald Oil! Always the cheapest gas in La mesa with great service what more can you ask for? Lots of parking to run in and grab anything you need and is always so clean! Love this place!

Ok. What gas station gives out free stuff all the time? This one does. Hes always the cheapest in la mesa for sure. Service is good. he had a large event there a few months ago, i think it was for christmas, he was giving away TVs, bikes, and a whole bunch of other goodies. This guy gives back to his customers. ask for dave when you go in. Im sure he will be there if you go in during the day. To top it off he has propane and liquor, what a great combo lol

This gas station has great prices and is easy to get into and out of compared to others, however, it’s not open 24 hrs.

BOO Emerald Oil — at one time you WERE a good deal, now you are one of the HIGHEST in the county. So much for stressing independent gas station. For selling excess gas you are now charging what the big boys charge for their premium gas.
At one time it was a good deal but not now.

In July ’12 I purchased a Groupon for a propane fill. Today I decided to use it. I called the establishment to make sure that there would be someone there to fill my propane cylinder. The clerk’s voice sounded as if nobody was available to perform that function. Then she stated, «when are you planning on coming by?» I informed her that I would be there in an half an hour. She stated OK, there will be someone here.
My drive took 41 minutes to get out there. When I got there I was informed that no one is there to fill my cylinder but I could just go ahead and exchange the tanks {with one that she already had filled}. I stated that would be fine and decided to get some fuel for my car. [ I figure I’d kill two birds with one stone]. I gave the clerk a $ 100.00 for the fill up and went out to my car. I started to pump the fuel and then looked at how much the gas was costing me. I had to do a double take…$ 0.30 more per gallon that any other gas station in the San Diego area. So much for the fill up, the pump was stopped at the $ 30.00 mark.
I went inside the store for the last time to exchange my propane tank and get my change for the fuel. I then drove to Costco to finish the fill-​up.
I cannot concur with the other posts that state, that this is the cheapest station around. So [Mr. Owner] take your $ 2.10 profit that you made off of me, I will not be back to your business again.
Mark

RIP OFF!!!
Gas Buddies says the Cash price — ok. that’s fine. i get that.
Sign at the street says 14 CENTS MORE for credit! REALLY? 14 CENTS? That’s CRAZY!
Pump is unclear as to if you use credit or debit if you have to pay the 50¢ card fee ALSO in addition to the high price or what. Or was the 50¢ just for debit and you get the cash price. or what.
AND THEN, wait for it, the pump price was MORE than the sign said! by 5¢ per gallon!
I was pissed! I put $ 5 in and left.
what a rip off!

This gas station is a bit farther than I would normally travel with propane tanks, and is not along my usual routes. But, they had a Unilocal Deal for propane, and my tank was empty.
Based on the info in the Unilocal deal — that I could show them the certificate on my phone, I went to the station, phone in hand.
They refused to honor the deal. They wanted a printed piece of paper.
So glad I drove miles out of my way. I’ll be sure to never by propane or gas here.

This is my go to gas station. I highly recommend getting your gas tank filled here if it is convenient to do so.
The prices are always lower than most gas stations and if you pump more than $ 30 they give you a free cup of coffee or a free can of soda, but only if you ask and I always make sure not to forget. They charge 50 cents for debit and credit purchase so bring cash!
All of these words were written uniquely by me.
All kidding aside, I completely echo Kim’s review, this is a great, cheap place to get gas, support your local gas station!