Originally Posted by SkipSauls

Are you checking yourself or are you using one of these sites:

GasBuddy.com - Find Low Gas Prices in the USA and Canada
AAA Fuel Gauge Report
GasPriceWatch - Power to the People at the Pump

? There are others, and between them you can find good information on prices in your area, on a trip, and so on.

Regarding the diesel experience, I've been driving a GMC HD diesel pickup for the past 7 years and find that it's getting better, and it's better at most gas stations than truck stops. If you don't have rubber gloves handy then grab a wad of paper towels from the dispensers for windshields, or inside the station. Keeping a pack of cheap terry cloth towels in the car can also come in handy for grabbing the handle and wiping up any mess. Just be sure to throw the towel away rather than keeping it to avoid the fumes.