SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - "What's going on?" Considering the fact that he puts through between 1,100 and 1,200 transactions a day, Kamran Iqbal, owner of Mac's Convenience Store on Franklin Avenue, is getting used to that question.

Kamran Iqbal, owner of Mac's Convenience Store, has switched his fuel brand from Husky to Esso primarily because the latter company has more bargaining power when it comes to adjusting gas prices, he said. - Guy Quenneville/NNSL photo

Last week, Iqbal, who took over the Mac's franchise seven months ago, installed an Esso sign at his store, provoking much chatter among drivers and customers of his business.

It's official: Esso - Canada's largest gas provider, with more than 3,000 stations across the country - will be returning to town, possibly bringing with it lower gas prices, said Iqbal.

"I've been working to bring Esso here in Yellowknife because I know that there's no retail site for Esso gas in Yellowknife," Iqbal, whose store used to offer Husky gas.

Iqbal chose Esso over Husky for several reasons, price being the top one, he said.

"These guys, they have better bargaining power. They can compete in the market. They can go at any level," said Iqbal.

"If I see my competitor is cheaper than me, I can change my price in two seconds. I contact this company, I give authorization, I change the price. With the small companies, I don't have as much bargaining power."

The fact that Husky's points system was run by the Canadian Automobile Association and only allowed customers to redeem points towards roadside assistance, whereas as Esso's program allows for points to be used towards the purchase of gas and merchandise, was also a mitigating factor, added Iqbal.

"Their loyalty programs - this is one way to bring the people in," he said.

There will be other changes at the station. In addition to offering its regular slate of premium, mid-grade and regular gas, Mac's will also feature diesel.

In six to eight weeks, five new tanks will replace the existing roster of four tanks and become operational.

"The new tanks will be fibreglass thanks. They have awesome life," said Iqbal.