Gas King
1604 2 Ave S , Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide excellent service and quality products at competitive prices, while fueling the needs of our community and fulfilling our environmental responsibilities.

Company History

Gas King Oil Co. Ltd. is an independent chain of gas stations, car washes and convenience stores operating primarily in Southern Alberta, Canada. The first branded Gas King location opened in May 1985 at 213 N Mayor Magrath Dr. in Lethbridge, Alberta. This location, known as Eastside Gas King, was to be the flagship location of this new independent oil company.

The Very Beginning

In 1960, Don and Georgia Morris founded a bulk farm fuel business in Shaughnessy, Alberta, Canada. It is known today as Eldorado Petroleum Service Ltd. In the mid-1980s Mr. Morris saw the retail fuel business as a way to diversify while still using his expertise in the fuel trade. In May 1985 Don Morris and his son Brent started the independently owned and operated chain of gas stations known as Gas King Oil Co. Ltd. The operating name would be Gas King. In the early 1990s the Morrises decided to diversify even further. They believed that car washes and convenience stores could enhance their already thriving retail fuel business.  Gas King - Established 1985 Mr. Donald L. Morris passed away in 1992, leaving Gas King to be operated by his family. Under the direction of the Morris family, and with the help of many valuable employees, Gas King has continued to prosper.  In February 2000 Brent Morris purchased all the shares of Gas King Oil Co. Ltd., becoming its third President. He took over from his mother, Mrs. Georgia Morris, who retired. Gas King also operates the brands Crown Car Wash and SnacKing Convenience Stores.

The Fuel Quality Myth

Since the beginning, Gas King has sold gasoline and diesel that is produced by the large oil companies who have refineries in Western Canada. When Gas King first started selling fuel in Lethbridge in 1985 there were few independent fuel retailers in the area. Not being affiliated with a national chain confused people. We didn't make our own fuel so it was a common belief that the fuel we sold was of a lesser quality than what the major fuel chains were selling. Consumers thought this because they believed the large oil companies would only sell their “bottom of the barrel” product to a competitor, such as Gas King, and not their best quality fuel. The fact is, the Canadian General Standard Boards (CGSB) specification establishes the quality of gasoline and diesel being sold in Canada by all companies.

Why Large Oil Companies Would Supply Competitors

Oil company refineries produce more fuel than can actually be sold through their own branded facilities within a region. This excess fuel is then sold either directly, or through a broker, to non-refining chains like Gas King. This is very profitable for the large oil companies as it keeps their facilities operating at higher levels and lowers their overall refining costs. This keeps their retail fuel price competitive.  It is very common for major oil companies to trade petroleum products with other major oil companies who do not have a refinery or terminal within the region. For example, the Suncor / Petro-Can refinery in Montreal may supply all the Esso locations in Quebec with fuel because Imperial / Esso does not have a refinery there. Conversely, the Imperial / Esso refinery in Halifax may supply all of the Petro-Can locations in the Maritimes.