Gasoline Prices Rise to $1.83/gallon

Yahoo! | April 25, 2004

[traumer]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. average retail gasoline prices rose over the last two weeks and could go higher, according to an industry analyst. The national average for self-serve regular unleaded gas was nearly $1.83 a gallon in the two weeks surveyed through to April 23, up about 3 cents per gallon, according to the nationwide Lundberg survey of about 8,000 gas stations.

The price has risen 35 cents per gallon since Dec. 19 and is about 22 cents higher than one year ago, according to the survey released on Sunday.

"Prices keep breaking all records and even at these prices, demand keeps growing dramatically due to U.S. economic growth," said survey editor Trilby Lundberg.

At $2.17 per gallon, San Diego saw the highest average price for self-serve regular unleaded gas. Tulsa, Oklahoma saw the lowest price -- $1.66 per gallon.

"Demand is an important reason for the rise in gasoline prices," Lundberg said. "The other reason is tight gasoline supply and less significant are crude oil prices which remain high."

But even with the most recent price increase, after being adjusted for inflation, today's price is $1 lower than it was in March 1981 and gasoline is not a significant component of a consumer's budget, Lundberg said.

[kellynla]

Doesn't matter how far the prices for crude go down if there aren't enough refineries to process it.

13 refineries in CA,eight have experienced problems since January and four of the six refineries that were down are still D O W N !

And I haven't heard of any new refineries being built either!

[man of Yosemite]

There was a lot of talk in California about the prices being manipulated. Lately, the prices in So. Cal. have dropped slightly while they are now rising elsewhere. It looks like manipulation to me. Turn the heat on out West, and then the price gouging arises somewhere else.

[traumer]

What's your problem ?
I post about gas prices because its a concern to me. And perhaps to other readers too. You don't have to read it and save yourself from ulcer :o)

[markman46]

I paid $2.15 yesterday here in fullerton

[Russ]

Regular dropped 2 cents this week to 1.67 where I go here in Pa. I know this because I fill up every Saturday at the same pump and have been tracking it for weeks.

[truth4]

Thanks to Free trade to China. China needs more oil and the U.S pay for it

[kdot]

I was under the impression that the US government invests heavily in making sure the oil transportation systems are safe. I don't have any empirical data on this, but wouldn't doubt it. If so, the American taxpayer pays much more in taxes for a gallon of gas than the price at the pump.

Also, if Canada and other countries can leverage their volume to get cheaper drugs, then why shouldn't the US do the same with oil? Volume discounts would explain some of the differentials between countries.

So, the fact that other countries pay more at the pump doesn't make me feel any better. Sorry SUSHIMAN.

[sushiman]

In Japan and Europe roughly 75% of the price at the pump is tax . Europe is more expensive than Japan , believe it or not .

[sharkhawk]

I am in the western suburbs of Chicago. On my drive home from my Mom's today (about 15 miles) saw prices everywhere from $1.93 to $1.66/per gallon for regular. Usually the stations by me are 5 cents less than mom's. So price have begun to fall. Last week the lowest was $1.85 or so.

[kdot]

Ouch. Last time I looked it up, we (US) paid 35% in taxes per gallon (adding up ALL the taxes).

Is it true that car manufacturers sell different models of their cars in Europe and elsewhere that get significantly higher MPG? I understand these models can't be sold in the US because of pollution and safety standards. I guess if the gov't is going to impose restrictions on our car choices and force us to buy less efficient cars, they should do what they can to keep our price per gallon low.

[Prince Charles]

$1.79 in NW Indiana today.

[sushiman]

The Japanese sell many models in Japan that are not available in the USA , some of which have tiny 800cc engines .

[RS]

"$1.79 in NW Indiana today."

Oh for the good old days of $1.79 gas....
( $2.15 in San Diego today )


( didnt we just fight a couple of wars for cheap gas ?
or was that just another Democrat lie ? )

[RdSparkx]

Maybe I shouldn't tell you that gas here in North Metro Atlanta is $1.59 and expected to drop even further?

[leadpencil1]

Just making an observation on your nickle. Lighten up and have some fun today, o.k.?

[PBRSTREETGANG]

I haven't hit the "$40 fill-up" on my X-terra yet, but I'm coming mighty close.

[XRdsRev]

Umm, I just bought gas at $1.59 per gallon in central New Jersey yesterday.

[mewzilla]

Gas station owners don't make a heck of a lot. As little as a few percentage points of the price per gallon. They're not the problem, and they're entitled to make a profit. We've got high demand, tight supply and refining capacity. Folks don't like it, they can drive less, buy fuel-efficient cars, and/or elect pols who'll make sure this nation has a sane energy policy.