Gas Prices Surge Again

Jul. 9–Surging gas prices have forced the average motorist to spend an extra $400 at the pump since last year, according to figures released this week by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The higher spending comes from an increase of 50 cents per gallon in unleaded gasoline over the last year.

The $400 is enough to buy about 183 gallons at Friday’s $2.19 per gallon of unleaded fuel. Or, it’s enough to fill a small car’s gas tank 15 times.

“The sustained upward direction in crude oil prices is, of course, driving gasoline prices higher. If the price of crude pushes be-ond $60 a barrel and stays there, a fresh run at new record high gas prices will occur,” said Rose Rougeau, spokeswoman for AAA Texas.

As of Friday evening, the price of oil was at $60 per barrel, according to DOE.

Most convenience stores posted unleaded gasoline prices at $2.19 per gallon on Friday afternoon, but HEB was one of the few that still offered $2.09 per gallon.

The state average this week was $2.10 per gallon and nationally at $2.22, according to DOE.

Since January 2004, gasoline prices have increased by 47 percent, from $1.49 to Friday’s $2.19 per gallon of unleaded gasoline.

The lowest price for gasoline in recent months has been $1.88 per gallon on May 27.

PRICE PER GALLON OF UNLEADED GASOLINE:

–January 2004: $1.49

–May 27 2005: $1.88

–July 8: $2.19

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

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