Prices at the pump in Emporia rose to $3.29 for regular on Monday, the highest ever and the third time since 2005 that local prices have topped $3. Experts don’t anticipate prices dropping significantly any time soon.
Where we’ve been
• Emporia’s $3.29 a gallon beats the inflation-adjusted all-time U.S. high of $3.223 set in March 1981, according to the U.S. Energy Department.
• Gasoline prices in Kansas first topped $3 a gallon in August 2005, in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Prices topped $3 a gallon again in July 2006. The latest rise above $3 a gallon came a week ago on May 8, according to gasbuddy.com.
• Kansas gas prices hit their lowest of 2006 on Jan. 22 when an average price of $1.92 was reported. Since then, the price has steadily climbed. In the three-month period starting Feb. 16, the price of a gallon of gas in Kansas rose more than $1 a gallon, from $2.18 to $3.21. Of that, 50 cents came between April 21 ($2.72) and Monday ($3.21).
Where we’re at
• Kansas ranks 38th of the 50 states in gas prices. The highest average price reported Monday was $3.439 in California. South Carolina had the least expensive at $2.822 a gallon.
• Kansas gas prices surpassed the U.S. average last week. The average price of a gallon of gas in the United States was reported on Monday at $3.103 by the Energy Information Administration. This morning, AAA reported the average price per gallon in Kansas at $3.194. Emporia’s highest price of $3.29 is reported by at least six local stations.
• The price increases were a surprise to government experts. Last month, according to the Associated Press, the Energy Department predicted that average gasoline prices would be lower than last year with an average of $2.87 for May.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
• Experts believe prices will go down in June. Bill O’Grady, assistant director of market analysis at A.G. Edwards, told USA Today that he believes prices will level off and decline in June before rising again before Labor Day.
• The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources began hearing testimony this morning from energy analysts, the AP reported, the first step into a federal investigation focusing on big oil producers and refiners.
• On Wednesday, according to the AP, the House Judiciary Committee will look into whether a lack of competition in the oil industry has worsened the situation of rising gas prices.
WHAT WE CAN DO
• Driving more efficiently is a good start. That means not speeding, no jackrabbit starts and avoiding sudden braking, because all waste gas.
• Most vehicles lose gas mileage at speeds above 60 mph. Every 5 mph over 60 costs an additional 20 cents per gallon of gas.
• Unloading the junk in your trunk can increase fuel efficiency. An extra 100 pounds in the vehicle can cause a 20 percent reduction in you miles per gallon rate.
• Using cruise control can help regulate your driving speed, which increases fuel efficiency. Using overdrive gears also helps.
• Keeping your vehicle regularly tuned up with oil changes, new air filters and other steps increases fuel efficiency.
• Planning your errands into the most efficient route can save gas. And carpooling is a gas saver because it leaves at least one vehicle sitting at home.
Source: www.fueleconomy.gov
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Of course, they will keep the gas prices as high as possible with the up coming holiday. It is a game the government is playing with our minds. If we get the prices over $3.00 a gallon then we will think that $2.99 is cheap. What a crock!!! They do not care what the price is because, think about it. If you had a limousine and chauffeur that took care of that car, and the government foots the bill for the gasoline, would you care what the working person has to pay? (Hell No). I still have not gotten a response about the station owner in Wisconsin that was told he had to raise his prices by his government. I also found out that he had to discontinue his discount cards to seniors. No one complained except one of the bigger companies. If this is so, why can Flying J offer a discount card. Maybe this is some news that was not supposed to be aired. The government is sucking us all dry. No wonder global warming!!!
May 15, 2007 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sciguy (anonymous) says...
I think there is a range where we will all "make do", and a limit above which the effect on the economy may very well whiplash.
When people start having to leave jobs or cities because commuting is too expensive...when second-income spouses find staying home is cheaper than going to work...we'll see an effect.
Until then, I guess we'll just make do.
May 15, 2007 at 8:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
I am sorry, but why should I have to change my way of life for the government? I keep getting poorer and poorer every day, while the rich get richer. Yes, I do believe in conserving. I try not to use my airconditioning, I conserve on hot water by doing laundry in cold, etc. I hope that people wise up. What if all the lawns in Emporia or anywhere for that fact do not get mowed because people have to make a choice on how to use what gasoline they can afford (go to work or mow). Do we call this conserving?Of course remember, the city has an ordinance about mowing, so you may get fined. (Again choices to make). Like I have said before, the government and any city officials are out to kill the little man and they are doing a damn good job of it.
May 16, 2007 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )