GAS PAINS

Experts say gasoline prices could surge another 25 cents per gallon by month’s end
BY HARRY FRANKLIN
State Editor

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The cost of gasoline continues to climb, with experts predicting it will rise another 25 cents per gallon by the end of March. The increases are credited to the normal spring seasonal increase and a shortage because of a cold winter in the northeast that caused producers to turn out more fuel oil for home heating and less gasoline.
Anglin said the higher prices already are hurting him and others who make their living driving on streets and highways.

Another 25-cent jump will “hurt us real bad,” said Anglin. “We will make less money.”

Because his income depends on driving, Anglin said he can’t afford to cut his driving time.

“You have to work more, even with the price rising,” he said.

The only thing Anglin said he knows to do is make sure his vehicle is tuned up properly to get the maximum mileage for each gallon he uses.

Danny Martin, who supplies Little Debbie cakes to stores in this area, drives a large delivery truck.

“It’s killing us,” he said, when asked what effect the higher gas prices are having on his business. “It’s going to hurt even more.”

A survey of gasoline stations on some major arteries in Columbus and Phenix City between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday showed that one of the lowest prices in Columbus was at Racetrac Service Station, 4421 Victory Drive, near I-185. Regular unleaded gasoline was selling for $1.849, unleaded plus, $1.999 and premium, $2.049.

Gas prices increased even during the day at some stations. For example, the Shell station at 4425 Second Avenue was $1.899 for regular unleaded at 8:30 a.m. and was $1.959 by 6 p.m.

Prices generally appeared to be slightly lower in south Columbus than on the north side of town, with regular unleaded generally ranging from $1.849 to $1.899 and premium being about 20 cents higher. On the north side, regular unleaded generally ranged from $1.879 to $1.979.

In Phenix City, the lowest prices were found at USA Mini Mart on the 280 Bypass, with gasoline selling for $1.859, $1.959 and $2.059; and at American Eagle on the 280 Bypass, matching those prices. Their prices almost equalled the lowest prices found in Columbus.

“We are usually 10 cents a gallon higher than in Columbus,” said clerk Darren Langford, noting that higher fuel taxes in Alabama account for prices normally being higher than in Columbus.

“In the last three days, we have sold $42,000 in gas and diesel fuel,” he said. “We normally get ours from Marathon in Columbus. When they are out in Columbus, we bring ours from Montgomery. We ran out twice in the last three days. This place is hopping. Most stations don’t make but a few cents per gallon.”

The highest price for regular unleaded gas in areas visited Monday was $1.999 per gallon at a Chevron station on Crawford Road in Phenix City. Premium was at $2.199 per gallon.

Staff writer Dimon Kendrick-Holmes contributed to this report.

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