We're beginning to understand why.

Having gone back to blonde, the bombshell stopped at a local 76 gas station to grab an orange soda and a fellow petroleum consumer couldn't help herself.

Wow. Way to be subtle, lady. Sure you couldn't swoop in for a hug while you're at it? Nice to see that Britney has again determined that bras are optional ...

Britney Spears: Gas station chic. [Photos: Fame Pictures; Some chick]

No word if Jason Trawick, Britney's boyfriend and agent, who has been the subject of many breakup rumors over the last few weeks, was there to witness this.

Either way, a shameless amateur photographer clearly was ... as was a professional photographer, taking a picture of the amateur. At least the latter got paid.