FAQ - OMEGA - West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

Our Purpose and Commitment

OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

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Join a Community that Champions, Connects, and Elevates!

Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

Selling restricted products - tobacco, alcohol and lottery - to individuals under age is illegal in West Virginia. State and federal law prohibits selling tobacco and lottery products to anyone under age 18. An individual must be 21 to purchase alcohol.

Bottle Bill

We oppose this legislation. Forced deposits do little to help the environment and essentially impose a hidden, regressive tax on consumers. Forced deposits are
costly to operate and administer and introduce a significant health and safety risk. OMEGA believes that comprehensive recycling programs are better investments and comprehensive
litter control outperforms forced deposits.

OMEGA members do a great job managing their businesses. However, as with all major industries, OMEGA members receive oversight by many city, county, state and federal regulatory agencies. In addition to policing ourselves, listed below are just some of the state agencies which oversee and regulate member operations:

Federal and state taxes account for one-fifth, or approximately 15 percent, of the cost of a gallon of gasoline in West Virginia. We pay 50.2 cents in state and federal taxes on every gallon of gasoline we purchase.

In those border states where the gas tax is lower, West Virginia retailers are negatively impacted. Customers will drive across the state line to purchase lower cost fuel. In West Virginia, all fuel taxes go to the Department of Highways to fund state road projects. Through the fuel tax, West Virginia consumers provided nearly $434.9 million in 2015.

OMEGA members are local entrepreneurs employing thousands of West Virginians. Profits from OMEGA businesses stay in the community and strengthen the state economy.

While large national department stores and national chain grocery stores - like Wal-Mart and Kroger - are critical to West Virginia, they can, and do, siphon customers from our state's independent local businesses. In many cases, as you've probably witnessed, even causing community groceries and other retailers to close. In contrast, less than 3 percent of all convenience stores are owned and operated by one of the major oil companies.

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Supporting West Virginia Communities

OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.