Originally Posted by Goldwing
I've read lots of debates on this on other forums. General opinion is that most gas is dumped into common pipelines (you didn't think the majors had private pipelines for distribution, did you) where it goes to various distributors. The distributors put in the additives that differentiate Shell from Speedway. Not sure where the ethanol comes from. Anyway, gas is gas with the exception of the additives and, of course, the octane.
No - it won't hurt your vehicle.
I'm a BJ's Wholesale Club member, but I never needed gas while I was there. Their closest store to me is roughly a 15 minute ride so it's not worth the trip to save 5 or 6 cents a gallon. If I was near empty and was at their store I would probably fill up.
Often times I would see a gas tanker filling up the tanks at BJ's. The owner's markings, I believe they are "JP Noonan", also fill side by side with Shell, Mobil/Exxon, and Sunoco at the tank farm at the Port of Providence. That further leads me to believe that all gas is the same except for those who add an additive into the tanker.
Also BJ's doesn't sell a mid grade in my area. They only have regular and premium.
Nowadays, brand loyalty is out and lower pricing is in.
Bob