I'm frankly astounded at the difference in gas prices you'll see. At one point within 2 blocks there was a station selling $1.6 less, and it wasn't even crazy busy. The other station still had plenty of business.

The price difference isn't as large now that prices have come down, but it's $0.7, and both are still just as busy as before.

Inflation is a separate variable that influences prices regardless of what any consumers think about prices. In the long run, if the money is in the system, it will be spent. Our perception of what constitutes a high price is largely dependent on the money supply.