Gas prices have increased by more that 50 cents in one month at some gas stations, causing strain on some consumers.
It cost Jack Morman who drives a F-150, about $65 to fill up his truck, at $3.74 a gallon, which he said is an overwhelming price.
He said he has been commuting from his home near Rosemont Elementary on Hamilton Road to his job at LaGrange College for more than 40 years, and with gas as high as it is, it has taken a toll on his personal life.
“Gas has gone from $3.40 to $3.70 in two weeks.” said Morman. “It makes me cut back in other places like eating out and going to the movies or on long trips.”
He said that because of the high gas prices he has not taken a vacation for the first time in years.
“If it gets over $4 a gallon it will cause a definite panic.” said Morman. “I’ll start riding my motor scooter if it gets to that point.”
Some media reports have blamed the current climb in gas prices to several factors — China’s rising consumption of oil, international pressure not to purchase supplies from Iran, and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cutting back production.
Another reason given by fuel producers, that they are closing refineries to make a seasonal switch in the type of fuel consumers can buy. In this case, the fuel companies are moving from a winter blend to a more ozone-friendly summer blend, with the traditional rise in prices coming a few weeks earlier than in the past.
The QV on New Franklin Road has some of the cheapest gas in town at $3.65 for regular.
Clerk Angel Shelnut said that the store tries to keep their gas prices the cheapest in town, aligned with Kroger. Gas a month ago was around $3.19, now it’s up by almost 45 cents per gallon.
“They [customers] complain all the time, but it’s something they’ve got to get. They’re going to get it regardless.” said Shelnut.
The spike however, has not negatively affected business; QV has increased in gas sales by almost 62 percent, in which Shelnut said is possibly due to having a 10 cent margin less than its neighboring competitors .
The Shell on Hamilton Road, however, whose gas is priced at $3.74 for regular, has noticed a decrease in its gas sales.
BP Woody’s has the highest priced gas in town and said that its gas sales have been about the same as one month ago. BP’s regular gas is priced at $3.79 per gallon, and includes taxes due to the additional car services that are provided to customers at the pump.
Nearly one month ago, the station’s unleaded gas was priced at $3.20, now it’s up by almost 60 cents.
“If gas goes up in March as much as it did in February, it could reach right at $4.” said BP Woody’s co-owner Wiley Woody.
Tuesday’s national average for gas was at $3.74, and one month ago was at $3.30. Last year’s average was at $3.57, with the highest national average at $4.11 in 2008.
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