About Clifford Fuel
Clifford Fuel Co., Inc. was founded in 1961 by Jack Clifford in Dolgeville, NY. Located in rural Herkimer County,
the company supplied home heating fuel, LP gas, farm gas and diesel and five service stations with gasoline.
The company had five employees.
In 1966 the company had the opportunity to expand into Utica, NY as a Commission Agent for Sinclair Oil. The main office
was moved to Utica at this time where the company supplied several service stations and commercial accounts with gasoline,
diesel fuel and lubricants. The operation in Dolgeville was continued until 1979, when it was sold to a competitor.
The 1970's were a decade of great change in the industry and for the company. BP Oil had taken over from Sinclair as
Clifford Fuel's supplier but announced it was leaving New York State right before the first energy crisis in 1973. Jack
was able to secure Chevron as a supplier during the gasoline shortages that occurred in 1973 and 1978. The availability
of supply allowed Clifford Fuel to grow their wholesale business substantially at a time when many companies had difficulty
obtaining products.
Jack Clifford's son Jim joined the company full time in 1980 and they took advantage of several major oil companies leaving
upstate New York by purchasing service stations and real estate. The company began to operate their own locations and expanded
into the convenience store and car wash business.
Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes approached Clifford Fuel about doing business together and an alliance was formed that has
lasted over 25 years. Clifford Fuel is currently a franchise of Nice N Easy at 12 locations, leases one store to Nice N Easy,
and supplies gasoline to several independent franchise stores.
Clifford Fuel currently owns 20 locations which include convenience stores and 5 car washes. They also supply over 40 locations
owned by independent operators with gasoline and diesel fuel. They handle Citgo, Mobil and unbranded products. The company operates
its own fleet of delivery trucks throughout Central and Northern New York. Total employment exceeds 200 people.