..and we are sending 80,000 barrels of oil to Venezuela every day...
TOLEDO -- It may be the perfect time to turn down your thermostat a few degrees and start carpooling. According to AAA, gas prices are up $.50 a gallon from last year. Making matters worse, analysts predict gas prices will jump to $2.00 a gallon this summer, even if we don't go to war with Iraq.
The reasons? More oil is being used to produce heating oil because of a cold winter, Americans are driving more and flying less and we are sending 80,000 barrels of oil to Venezuela every day-- that's a country that usually supplies oil to the United States.
Analysts had previously said an end to a strike in Venezuela would mean a glut of oil, but now supplies are so low they don't think a change there will have much of an impact on rising prices.
The soaring gas prices are not very popular with drivers. Many have complained that these prices are driving a hole in their pockets and that it's becoming too expensive to drive almost anywhere and making it difficult to make travel plans.
"I think they're ridiculous to tell the truth. I travel all the time. I'm in the gas station 2-3 times a week. I'm spending quite a bit of money," said Jason Johnson. "I think they're a joke. They're taking advantage of us," said Tom McGuire.
Industry analysts say consumers should get used to the prices and even expect to pay more in the coming weeks. They say we might have to wait until April before we see some relief at the pump.