Chevron

I put $ 7.00 in my tank at this gas station using my debit card. I had roughly $ 70.00 in my checking account. I then went inside to purchase an item for $ 6.99 and I was told my card was declined. I checked my balance at the register on my phone, and they had placed a $ 72.89 (random!) hold on my account, making my balance negative.
I asked the clerk why they did this, and his response was that he personally didn’t do it. Ugh. Wtf does that matter? I now have no money until this charge comes off my pending transactions… not to mention anything else clearing causing overdrafts and overdraft fees. They did nothing to fix it, only shirked responsibilty.
Since it is conveniently close to my home, I purchase gas here and other items regularly and have done so for almost two years. In the past however, I have always used my credit card for the gas (which is all I use it for), so probably didn’t realize they were doing this ridiculous pending clearance charge.
And why such an odd amount? $ 72.89? I won’t be coming back here ever again. Everything at this store is overpriced anyway, especially gas and cigarettes. I’m pretty sure that their gas is the highest priced in the area. Not convenient at all. Oh! There are NO warnings posted anywhere that they will hold a chunk of your balance on a gas charge with your card. How is that even legal?! I spent $ 7, and now have no money for the next few days, ruining my weekend.