The Hustle
August 3, 2026
Why US Gas Station Hoses Are Shorter Than Other Countries
TL;DR
US gas station hoses are short due to International Fire Code regulations requiring hoses to be retractable and no longer than 18 feet, a bureaucratic requirement that most stations accept rather than challenge, though Costco engineered compliant long-hose stations that pump up to 1 million gallons monthly.
Key Takeaways
- 1Most US gas stations have short hoses that don't reach both sides of the car, unlike Japan and European countries where hoses are longer and reach either side.
- 2The International Fire Code restricts gas hoses to a maximum of 18 feet, requires them to be retractable, mandates 5-foot clearance from building openings, and necessitates breakaway valves.
- 3Costco gas stations dispense up to 1 million gallons per month compared to 80,000 gallons at typical gas stations by using streamlined, single-lane designs that comply with all Fire Code requirements.
- 4Most US gas stations ignore the problem of short hoses rather than invest in compliant long-hose systems because gas has low profit margins and isn't a primary business driver.
- 5Costco views gas as a crucial customer retention strategy and is opening standalone gas stations separate from warehouses to leverage their engineered compliant hose system.
Notable Quotes
“Costco gas stations can pour up to a million gallons of gas per month. Compare that to like 80,000 gallons of gas for a usual gas station.”
— The Hustle
“Most gas stations they just choose to ignore the problem and not to solve it and just use the shorter hose. Especially considering how low margin gas is.”
— The Hustle
Chapters
1. The Short Hose Problem in America
US gas stations have short hoses that often don't reach both sides of a car, unlike Japan and European countries where hoses reach either side of the vehicle.
2. International Fire Code Regulations
Gas hoses are limited to 18 feet maximum length, must be retractable, require 5-foot clearance from building openings, and need breakaway valves if a car drives away with the nozzle still inserted.
3. Why Most Stations Keep Short Hoses
Most gas stations ignore the problem of short hoses rather than comply with the complex requirements because gas has low profit margins and isn't a primary revenue driver.
4. Costco's Engineered Solution
Costco engineered compliant gas stations that pump up to 1 million gallons monthly using carefully designed single-lane layouts, compared to 80,000 gallons at typical stations, and is expanding with standalone gas stations not attached to warehouses.
Key People & Entities
- Costco
- Warehouse retailer that engineered compliant gas stations pumping up to 1 million gallons monthly and is expanding standalone gas stations.
Glossary
- International Fire Code
- A set of regulations governing safety requirements for gas station equipment, including hose length, placement, and safety features like breakaway valves.
- Breakaway valve
- A safety device that automatically disconnects the gas nozzle if a vehicle drives away while still connected, preventing hose rupture and fuel spillage.
- Retractable hose
- A gas station hose that automatically retracts when not in use, as required by fire code regulations.