Consumers uneasy with rising gas prices

www.chillicothegazette.com By KIRRAN SYED Gazette Staff Writer

Matthew A. Pentecost/ For the Gazette

Bill Meixner of Portsmouth pumps gas at the BP station on Main Street.

The price of filling up is going up ... and some consumers are fed up.

A gallon of unleaded gasoline in south central Ohio is about one-third higher than it was this time last year, according to information from the east-central office of the American Automobile Association.

The average price per gallon of unleaded gasoline in the region during the last week of January was $1.47. The price per gallon during that time in 2002 was about $1.01, according to the association.

They attribute the almost 46 cent increase in one year to a combination of factors including uncertainty in the Middle East, labor unrest in oil-exporting Venezuela and an agreement between the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Counties to better comply with production quotas.

These factors have combined to limit the availability of oil on the world market, keeping demand and prices high, according to the association.

The association's energy analysts say they do not expect gasoline prices to move much until the US more clearly states its intentions concerning Iraq.

They say a firm deadline for Iraq's compliance with United Nations inspections may cause higher fuel prices because it increases the chance that war may occur and destabilize the Middle East. American acceptance of continued inspections could result in lower prices because it would reduce that area's instability.

No choice in matter

"It's just ridiculous," said Nancy Gilbert, of Waverly, who purchased $15 in gas Sunday afternoon in preparation for the work week. "I think they're terrible but you have to go to work."

"Really, there's not a whole lot you can do," she said. "You have to get to and from places and they know that."

Gilbert said she has taken some steps to reduce how much gas she uses. She said she recently sold her sports utility vehicle and has reduced her pleasure driving.

"I don't just jump in the car anymore. While I'm out, I try to think about what I need. If I need to stop at the store, I try to do it while I'm going to and from work," she said.

Ways around problem

Other consumers say they often wait for several days before purchasing gas in the hopes that the price will go down, if only by a few pennies.

"I waited about four or five days to see if the gas would be cheaper. I was down to where I had to get it," said Roger Young, of Chillicothe, who also purchased $15 dollars in gas on Sunday.

"I stretch it out as much as possible. When the price goes down, I just fill up. When he price goes up, I stretch my gas out as much as possible," he said. "I have to buy it about every two weeks minimum."

Young said one of the most frustrating things is how quickly the price changes. As a result, no matter how much he shops around and delays, he often feels frustrated.

"I shop for gas. (But) I can fill this car up and go home and five minutes later, the price of gas has changed," he said. "I get aggravated."

(Syed can be reached at 772-9364 or via e-mail at ksyed@nncogannett.com)

Originally published Tuesday, February 4, 2003