Lucky L.I. Residents Line Up For $1.98 Per-Gallon Gas As Part Of Radio Promotion

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Not since gas rationing in the 1970's had there been a scene like the one witnessed on Long Island Tuesday afternoon.

Cars lined up down the block as they waited to fill up for $1.98 per-gallon at a Mobil station on Merrick Avenue in Merrick.

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The 50 percent discount was part of a promotional gimmick by a Long Island radio station. The cheap gas was sold to the first 98 customers.

1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria Reports From Merrick

Nobody really seemed to mind waiting in line for about 2 hours.

"I came prepared. I brought a book to read," Lillian Sabia told 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria. "Consumers need all the help they can get when it comes to the price of gas."

Most of the drivers who waited to get the discount gas on Tuesday were either retirees or senior citizens.

"At 86 years old, I save any amount of money I can get," said a woman named "Rose," adding "with everything going up, the economy is so bad."

Tyrone Phifer said the prices were too good to pass up and well worth the wait time.

"I think it's great, you know, it's a two hour wait -- I think it was worth it," he said. "Very rare that you get to pay $1.98 for a gallon of gas these days."

A man named "Chris," who was the last one in line, wasn't thrilled about waiting, but even less thrilled with how high gas prices have gone.

"I think it's all a scam. People trying to make money, they inflate the price and most of it is done by speculators," he said.

After the lucky 98 drivers filled up, the price immediately spiked back up to $4.05 a gallon.

How long would you wait in line for $1.98 a gallon gas?  Share your thoughts below...