Crude oil prices getting rude
By Staff
Rebecca James, Franklin County Times
Gas prices really have gotten ridiculous this year. It seems like I am filling up almost everyday, or at least every other day.
I can remember when I was in high school, gas was only 99 cents a gallon. That seemed like a lot to me at the time, but I really would give just about anything for gas to be that cheap again.
It's almost gotten to the point of where I am numb to the price I am paying at the pump. As the numbers fly by, it's almost as if I barely pay attention to them. Gas is currently a little over $3 a gallon here in Franklin County, and it shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. All the gas I have to buy for my Jeep, which only has a V6, seriously has me considering trading it in on something a little cheaper on gas.
An Internet based call for a gasoline boycott earlier this week was aimed at forcing big oil companies to reduce the price failed to reach the objective it hoped to achieve. Motorists were encouraged to avoid purchasing gas on Tuesday to show unity for lower gas prices. Unfortunately, boycotts like this won't be able to affect gas prices, because even if you don't buy gas on the day of the boycott, you will have to buy gas eventually. There's just no way around it. Either way, you'll still have to buy gas, and it won't hurt the big oil executives, only the local gas stations.
A recent study released by UAB yesterday stated that the average consumer is spending a $100 more in gas per month this year from 2006. That's an extra $100 that I wouldn't mind having back to spend on bills or other necessities.
Some analysts are predicting that gas could edge its' way up to $4 a gallon as the summer goes on due to fuel shortages.
They say that this could eventually lead to an even longer-term problem and can force gas prices to continue to climb. I am sure that I am not the only one that hopes these predictions are wrong.
My husband and I may have to rethink our travel plans if it does get that high.
We make our yearly trip to Pigeon Forge in September, and if gas prices continue to rise as expected, we may have to scrap that idea – either that or start saving for our gas now.
