A Guardian investigation has revealed that major convenience store chains, including 7 Eleven and Circle K, often fail to honor their advertised prices. These stores reportedly charge customers higher amounts at both gas pumps and checkout registers for a range of products, including gasoline and various snacks. This practice means consumers often pay more than the prices displayed.
For example, Marco Cruz experienced this at a Circle K store in McAllen, Texas, during November 2025. He selected beef and jalapeño cheese sticks priced at $3.99 on the shelf, but the item scanned at $4.19 at the counter. When Cruz asked the cashier to apply the displayed price, the employee declined and threatened to call the police as Cruz became more insistent. Following this interaction, Cruz departed the store and later submitted a formal complaint to the Texas attorney general.