Consumers welcome downward trend in gas prices
A recent dip in gas prices is having a calming effect on people at the pumps, despite other worries over the economy.
For St. Joseph, AAA reported an average price of a gallon of unleaded fuel at $3.26, a decrease of 29 cents for the past month. At some stations, gas was selling for less than $3.20 a gallon.
That news was welcomed by customers Richard Wells and Carolyn Druba, who spent their money and part of their Wednesday afternoon filling up on the Belt Highway.
For his part, Mr. Wells admitted he hadn’t even noticed a price drop until he pulled up to the pumps.
“I’ve been complaining like everybody else,” he said. “What else can you do?”
But “every little bit helps,” Mr. Wells, of St. Joseph, said of the decline. “I’m all for it. Bring it down a little more.”
Ms. Druba had spent the day shopping in the city before heading back home to Falls City, Neb.
“I think it’s good,” she said. “It’s the cheapest gas we’ve had for a while.”
Jason Rowe of Speedy’s convenience store said the phenomenon could continue, depending on such factors as the bailout proposal in Congress, politics and hurricanes.
“Everything’s looking good,” he said. “Our supply is good.”
It’s possible that events could assist in bringing a gallon of gas below $3, Mr. Rowe said.
“I think the election’s going to help bring it down,” he said. “Their (lawmakers) ultimate goal is not to hurt the consumer.”
Looking ahead, though, no one really knows what to expect with gas prices due to volatility in the marketplace, according to Mr. Rowe.
“It’s really hard to judge because gas is a commodity,” he said.
Mike Right, a spokesman for AAA Missouri, said the bulk of the year mired in high gas prices is still a significant hurdle for the economy to overcome.
“I don’t think you’re going to see any noticeable change in (driving) behavior,” he said. “I don’t know that Wall Street is going to have any long-term impact.”
A prolonged decrease in crude oil prices will assist the trend toward lower fuel costs, Mr. Right said.
“Barring the unknown, we should see a moderation of price,” he said.
For Missouri statewide, AAA said gas stood at $3.35 a gallon — compared to $3.52 a month ago. The national average was pegged at $3.62, down from $3.69 the previous month, the organization reported.
Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.
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PEOPLE, STOP BUYING GAS IN SAINT JOE, YOU ARE GETTING RIPPED OFF. PLATTE CITY QUICK TRIP HAS FUEL FOR 3.17 PER GALLON. COMMUTERS IF YOU ARE COMING THAT DIRECTION. SAVE SOME MONEY. SORRY FOR THE ALL CAPS MESSAGE, MY LOCK IS STUCK. PLATTE CITY CONSISTANTLY HAS FUEL CHEAPER THAN WE DO.
Posted by notsomuch on October 2, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)i, for one, do not welcome the low gas prices.
Posted by tigersfan on October 2, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)notsomuch- you would... You probably have a biodiesel or electric car, or jsut independently wealthy.
I see the flip side of the high gas prices in so that it forces us to seek alternatives, but really shouldn't we have done that on our own instead of hurting everyone that has kids and bills and lives pay check to pay check?
Posted by dalearch on October 2, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)There are places in the KC area where gas is down to $2.97.
Posted by TFurguson on October 2, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)3.27 on St. Joe Ave last night.
If you are going by Platte City that is fine to save a few pennies, however...if you have to drive 60 miles roundtrip you are actually spending more.
Posted by TFurguson on October 2, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)I meant 3.17 not 3.27
Posted by missouri_mule on October 2, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)$2.97 a gallon in Liberty, what a joke to make us pay more than they do in KC
Posted by comment on October 2, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)I wouldn't be getting to excited. The worst is yet to come!
Posted by MomInMissouri on October 2, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)First, saying that Platte City is consistent in its price being lower than that of St Joseph is misleading. Mr Missouri travels through Platte City 6 days a week and Platte City being less expensive is not always the case. There have been times when the price was $.22 over that of the price in St Joseph--and we gauge that price at the Conoco on Mitchel near the Belt Highway. Remember, Platte City stations are near the interstate and can get a higher price per gallon.
Regarding hypermiling...its a dangerous practice that can get you or others seriously injured or killed. In our day it was called tail-gaiting...and it's just not smart. If you slow down to 60-65 miles per hour you'll save twice as much fuel and only add 5-6 minutes on your travel time, and you're not endangering lives in the process.
Posted by MichaelH on October 2, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)My goodness, MomInMussouri, get your facts straight. The more people come in here touting the dangers of hypermilling, the more you're broadcasting your ignorance on the subject. Do some homework.
As for the lower gas prices, makes perfect sense. Now that renewable energy initiatives are making their ways onto ballots across the country, oil companies and those who profit from them are starting to realize they are going to have to get as much as they can, with as little attention drawn as possible - while they still can.
So they lower prices.
Everyone shuts up and becomes happy about $2.99/gal. gasoline. Next thing you know, the importance of renewable energies starts fading in peoples minds, just like it did in the 70's as we saw a rebirth of muscle cars in the 80's.
Mark my words, something very cool is going to make it's way to the market and everyone is going to want it. Unfortunately, it's going to require gasoline or a crude-oil derivative.
I really hope we've learned our lesson...
Posted by MomInMissouri on October 2, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)Thank you for your article reference. I would like to add that 'some' references do include drafting as part of the hypermiling techniques. (The articles I had read included drafting as a part of the entire package.) While I was particularly refering to the practice of drafting, it is being practiced as many people think it will increase their fuel economy.
The remainder...are good reminders but many are just good common sense.
Just a note...might want to turn down the defensive mode in your responses just a bit; doubt you'll be able to carry on a productive conversation with many if you continue the flogging.
Posted by MichaelH on October 2, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)The problem with common sense is it isn't common.
My apologies about the harshness, I'm assuming you didn't participate in the previous "hypermilling" discussion?
Drafting is actually discouraged.
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