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High gas prices keeping some home for holiday
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Saturday, April 07, 2007
As motorists took to the interstates Friday to kick-off the Easter holiday, escalating gas prices took a bite out of their plans.
Even though the American Automobile Association did not report a major spike in the region, gas ranged from $2.59 to $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded at gas stations in the area.
Extras
Because of those high prices, many people have opted to remain in the area rather than travel long distances for Easter. But another factor is the amount of time they would have to travel.
For this holiday, "most people don't have the day off Friday or Monday," said Joanna Herncane, a spokeswoman for AAA Ohio. "Unless you can take a Friday or a Monday off, we really don't see the numbers we do on other holidays."
James Metcalf of Hamilton said he was thinking about visiting family in Russell Springs, Ky., this weekend but he changed his mind due to high gas prices.
"I have three kids and we're on a budget," Metcalf said while pumping gas at the BP station on Ohio 4 and High Street. "Plus, we don't have credit cards. We pay cash."
Metcalf said he thinks that by Memorial Day weekend when the start of summer holiday traffic begins, gas will rise to about $3.40 per gallon.
Rick Cox of Middletown said he doesn't know how anyone can afford to live with gas rising 74 cents a gallon in the last three months.
"I got up Tuesday and gas was $2.54 (per gallon for unleaded regular) up where I live in Middletown. I got up Wednesday and went to put gas in (my Ford Excursion van) and it was $2.85 at the exact same gas station," Cox said while pumping gas at a Speedway in Fairfield Twp. "I don't see how (the oil companies) expect a person to be able to live when you're paying so much in rent and utilities. It's just not right."
Cox said he thinks gas prices will spike during the Memorial Day weekend at more than $4 per gallon.
Besides higher gas prices, motorists who do travel this weekend will see new road projects across the state. Because of that work, the Ohio Department of Transportation is urging drivers to watch for construction delays, stopped traffic and to obey posted speed limits.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2190 or dewilson@coxohio.com.
Comments
By Eowyn
April 10, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
High gas prices are killing me. I commute 94 miles a day to my job (because I can’t afford to live closer!). It bugs the crap out of me when the Prez says Americans have to stop their oil addiction. Excuse me?! How am I supposed to do that? No buses where I live, no alternate energy available, can’t walk to work, can’t even car pool because no one in my small town drives anywhere near where I work.
By Walt
April 8, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
I am surprised that there have been no comments about the price of gas in recent months. Since the election the gas prices have been steadly increasing. I think we should find out the gas taxes.
By Bill
April 8, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
I was just reading where the CEO of Occidental Oil received over $400 million for services rendered this past year! I can’t believe the oil and gas prices are really legit.
Come on American’s were not that stupid are we!!
By Sailor
April 8, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Its not just the High Price at the Pump that keeps us home. Its the High Prices Everywhere. Grocery Store , Utility Bills , Medical Bills,just Everyday Living cost have risen so high so fast. Yes plenty of jobs are out there but the pay is less and items needed have risen so it keeps people at home because they have No Money to Travel.
By Jeff Hodapp
April 8, 2007 2:22 AM | Link to this
Well, time for high prices again. When will we seize the energy facilities to keep the American people from the stranglehold of a few profiteers ? Let the revolution begin again.