Dealer’s gasoline giveaway sparks massive lines

Drivers in Massachusetts waited in line for up to nine hours to fill their gas tanks for free, courtesy of dealer Ernie Boch Jr.

Boch paid for more than 500 people to fuel up at a gas station in Norwood, Mass., to celebrate what he called “April Fuels Day.” He originally planned to give away 7,000 gallons, at an estimated cost of $30,000, but decided to extend the promotion when that amount was gone in less than half the four hours he expected it to last.

He ended up cutting off the free gasoline after three hours, according to NBC Boston.

“Gasoline is essential in my industry, in the automotive industry, so I’m trying to give back, trying to have some fun,” Boch said.

The giveaway started at 7 a.m. April 1, but vehicles started arriving as early as 9:30 p.m. the night before. Drivers were directed to queue up in a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic near the station.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it. It’s great,” driver Patrick Haines, who said he was the first to arrive, told the TV station. “The gas has been eating at everybody’s wallet, including mine and I mean, this is kind of like giving back all the extra money you spent on it.”

Regular gasoline at the station was selling for $4.25 a gallon before it switched its sign to all zeros for the giveaway. Drivers could choose any octane level but were limited to $75 worth, which is enough to fill the tank of a Ford Explorer with regular.