GARNER, N.C. — A Garner gas station owner found a unique way to show his appreciation to his customers Tuesday.

After 32 years at his Highway 70 location, BP owner Kevin Walton is relocating his business.

"The land has gotten too expensive to stay here with the gas station, so I found a shop with cheaper rent and bigger bays and it was time to go," Walton said.

To celebrate, he charged customers 99 cents a gallon -- until he ran out mid-afternoon.

"I think he's a real good guy. He's great for doing this because right now, people need all the help they can get," customer Greg Murray said.

Walton estimates he sold 3,000 gallons of gas Tuesday.

If you think the prices in North Carolina are hard to stomach, it is not nearly as bad as some places in the nation. Gas prices in California are averaging $2.15 a gallon. Oklahoma has the lowest average prices at $1.62 a gallon.

Experts said gas prices usually rise between March and May as refiners temporarily shut down to prepare for the peak summer driving season, which, in turn, shrinks supplies. This year, the effect is magnified because commercial gasoline inventories are already low.

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WRAL's Mark Roberts will share price information on WRAL's Morning News on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.