Bethesda gas station sells for $3,000,000 (Photo) #DC #Westbard

The W Express gas station at 5143 River Road has been purchased by Woodbridge-based Petroleum Marketing Group for $3 million, according to Maryland real estate records. Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Properties, LLC of Germantown was the seller. This is somewhat positive news for drivers concerned about Bethesda's few remaining gas stations being flipped into luxury apartment buildings.

PMG is a major mid-Atlantic gas station owner and petroleum dealer, so it's not simply a real estate investor trying to flip properties in the new Wild West of Montgomery County zoning and planning. While it would not be immune to a new Westbard Sector Plan that would incentivize the demolition of gas stations (as the November 2014 draft of the plan has), the company is more likely to stick with gas for the near term at least.

The impact of gas station closures on the price you pay at the remaining Bethesda stations is clear. W Express is in close proximity to several competitors, unlike the overpriced gas you'll find at downtown Bethesda's remaining stations. In fact, W Express currently has the lowest gas price in Bethesda, according to GasBuddy.com - $2.47 (cash), as of this morning.

Keeping these stations in operation along River Road is of benefit to drivers and businesses in the greater Bethesda area, as gas prices are a major factor in consumer spending power.