Costco Is Testing a Big Change That Could Impact Montana Drivers

Costco is already a go-to stop for a lot of Montana shoppers—but now the company is testing something completely new that could eventually change how people fuel up. 

After years of tying its gas stations directly to warehouse locations, Costco is preparing to open its first standalone gas station, with the debut set for California by the end of June, according to USA Today.  

That’s a pretty big shift. 

For a long time, Costco Gas has been part of the full warehouse experience—you shop, you grab a hot dog, and you fill up before heading home. But this new concept separates the fuel side of the business entirely, which could make it more accessible in areas that don’t have room (or demand) for a full warehouse store. 

And if you’ve ever waited in a long Costco gas line, you can see why this is getting attention. 

Why Costco Gas Prices Get So Much Attention

According to Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy, Costco consistently offers some of the lowest gas prices in Montana. That’s why the idea of more locations, even without a full store attached, is intriguing. 

READ MORE: Missoula Sees Major Jump in Gas Prices This Month

Could Montana Ever See One? 

Right now, this California location looks very much like a test run. 

Typically, companies like Costco roll out new concepts in larger, high-density markets first. If it works, that’s when expansion starts—and that’s when states like Montana could eventually come into play. 

Why This Model Could Work in Rural States

We’ve already seen how long it can take for major retail changes to make their way here. Even the recent Costco expansion in Kalispell was a big deal because growth like that doesn’t happen overnight in Montana. 

READ MORE: 5 Montana Products You Can Find at Missoula’s Costco

Still, if standalone gas stations prove successful, they could actually make a lot of sense for more rural states: 

• Smaller footprint than a full warehouse  
• Ability to serve high-traffic highway areas
• More access to lower-priced fuel without needing a full store nearby  

The Bottom Line 

For now, Montana drivers will have to watch this one from a distance. 

But if the California test goes well, don’t be surprised if this idea slowly expands—and someday, filling up at a Costco gas station in Montana might not require a warehouse run at all.