Gas prices

[leroyjr1]

Gas prices just jumped 20 cents today. Now we are paying

87 $4.29
89 $4.39
93 $4.49

Diesel $4.69-$4.79

Milwauke Wisconsin


What are you guys paying?

[Airplay355]

$4.05 and rising....

[audiobliss]

Wow, that's crazy. I just saw 87 octane going for $3.95 earlier today and was blown away. That's STEEP!

Also saw it for $3.87, though.

[zingo]

I had a lady at work tell me that if they just "impeached Bush and his oil cronies", gas prices would go down. I have never heard anything so nieve...

BTW: I saw diesel at $4.99 a gallon in Seattle

[polkatese]

how is it possible: gas is more expensive in Wisconsin then in California?

[leroyjr1]

Nothing you can do about it either. You can only walk so far. We even had to cancel our two fishing trips this year. First time we didn't go to Kentucky lake and Chippewa Flowage in 11 years.

[leroyjr1]

how is it possible: gas is more expensive in Wisconsin then in California?

Thats because you have the Terminator in Cali.
What are you guys paying in California?

[shadowofnight]

CA here......Just paid 4.45 for premium gas today ( So you were actually 4 cents more )...114 bucks to fill up . I waited for about 3 or 4 station groups along Hwy 5 , but it didnt matter...same high prices at all of em.

[shadowofnight]

I had a lady at work tell me that if they just "impeached Bush and his oil cronies", gas prices would go down. I have never heard anything so nieve...

BTW: I saw diesel at $4.99 a gallon in Seattle


I saw diesel at 4.92 today here in CA .

[RuSsMaN]

I'm about 2 seconds from selling the truck and buying this.....

[Shizelbs]

I'm about 2 seconds from selling the truck and buying this.....

I'll see your motorcycle and raise you this...

[Demiurge]

how is it possible: gas is more expensive in Wisconsin then in California?

We have ethanol mandates and they tax the shit out of our gas here. Thanks Jimmy "Little Indian" Doyle. :rolleyes:

[petrym]

Omaha area today: 3.85 for 87 octane regular (no ethanol) - 3.75 for 89 octane with ethanol.

[JDOGG]

On my way home from work tonight 87 was $3.79. I sure am glad I have a motorcycle. $12 to fill up for the week.

[Gadabout]

Didn't check prices today.... Diesel was $4.29 on Tuesday - DFW area

Russ....
I have been riding for years, rush hour traffic in Dallas on crotch rocket scares the hell out of me.

[danger boy]

it's the start of the 3 day Memorial day weekend. when gas prices always jump up at least 20 cents more. and stay that way till the end of summer. it happens ever year folks. only this year. it has taken the gas prices over the $4.00+ mark.

When gas was like $2.60.. and extra .20 wasn't much. but now at the $4.00 mark.. and it suddenly take it over the $4.20 mark, that hurts. It's only because the oil companies know it's summer travel season. no other reason to raise gas prices ever year at this time than it's the time of year when the kids are out of school and they load up the mini van and head for vacation. that is the only reason gas prices go up ever may till the first weekend in Sept. Each and every year. it has nothing to do with the current price of oil per barrel.

[Keiko]

Sucks ass and the pocketbook for sure. Just over the $4.00 mark here. Not as bad as some States but still...:(

[appadv]

Here in NYC it's $4.29 for 87, $4.39 for 89, and $4.49 for 93 octane. So I guess we are on par with Wisconsin....

[xsmi]

Ohio too.

4.29 4.39 & 4.49

[McLoki]

$4.09, $4.19, $4.29 as of last night for an average of most stations.

Central Il.

Really thinking of going the motorcycle route, but with the miles I pour on, not sure it would be that cost effective.

riding season of about 8 months (if I go any day above 40 degrees)
Tires only last about 5,000-8,000 miles (for a long lasting sporty touring tire)
Would get about double the mileage I get now (average 45-50 for the bike I am looking at)
Also have to get helmet, riding suit (so I can go into work without bugs splattered on me, not to mention in the rain), and other equipment. (basically just a hair over $1,000 for safety equip.)
bike will cost about 12k (new) and I have no trade in for it (since I have to keep my car) so my gas savings would have to be able to recoup about 13k total in 3-4 years. From quick figuring it will become cost effective when my gas costs exceed $812 per month. (figuring on 13k purchase price for bike and safety equipment, 8 month riding time, double the mileage of my car, over a 4 year time period) At that point it may be more cost effective (and safer) just to move closer to work.

If I do get one, this is what I am looking at.....

http://www.motorcycle.com/specs/sites/mot/images/data/normal/2008_Yamaha_FJR_1300A.jpg

[exalted512]

$4,19, $4.29, $4.39 as of last night for an average of most stations.

Central Il.

Really thinking of going the motorcycle route, but with the miles I pour on, not sure it would be that cost effective.

riding season of about 8 months (if I go any day above 40 degrees)
Tires only last about 5,000-8,000 miles (for a long lasting sporty touring tire)
Would get about double the mileage I get now (average 45-50 for the bike I am looking at)
Also have to get helmet, riding suit (so I can go into work without bugs splattered on me, not to mention in the rain), and other equipment. (basically just a hair over $1,000 for safety equip.)
bike will cost about 12k (new) and I have no trade in for it (since I have to keep my car) so my gas savings would have to be able to recoup about 13k total in 3-4 years. From quick figuring it will become cost effective when my gas costs exceed $812 per month. (figuring on 8 month riding time, double the mileage of my car, over a 4 year time period) At that point it may be more cost effective (and safer) just to move closer to work.

At $3.00 per gal was not cost effective, but as we go over $4/gal I really have to reevaluate the bike route. If I do get one, this is what I am looking at.....

http://www.motorcycle.com/specs/sites/mot/images/data/normal/2008_Yamaha_FJR_1300A.jpg

You failed to calculate how much fun they are though...but your other points are spot on. I just replaced my rear tire in march, 2000 miles later theres a huge gash in it...and they dont offer hazard warranties on motorcycle tires...luckily mine are fairly cheap at $155/tire installed.
-Cody

[McLoki]

You failed to calculate how much fun they are though...but your other points are spot on. I just replaced my rear tire in march, 2000 miles later theres a huge gash in it...and they dont offer hazard warranties on motorcycle tires...luckily mine are fairly cheap at $155/tire installed.
-Cody

I agree, but hard to sell the wife on the "but I would have more fun" argument. :p

Plus being more fun would impact the savings because I would rather take the longer 2-lane route to work rather than the most efficient 30min on the interstate route.....

I have ridden before and do really enjoy it as a hobby, just trying to keep the fun aspect out of the numbers for now... :)

Michael

[polkatese]

Thats because you have the Terminator in Cali.
What are you guys paying in California?

Chevron around the corner:

87 4.04
89 4.12
91 4.19

[treitz3]

We have been hanging around $3.63/gal. for regular about a week now. If I'm up in Charlotte, almost every corner has a different price. It seems for regular the cost in Charlotte ranges from $3.98 to $4.25/gal.

[mantis]

3.85 reg 4.01 plus and 4.11 prem. it's sicking. I used to love my truck now I hate to start it.

[heiney9]

how is it possible: gas is more expensive in Wisconsin then in California?

I'm on the Illinois/Wisconsin border and I've never seen WI fuel prices higher than IL. Cali and Illinois are about the highest in the nation.

Since it's Memorial Day weekend I think they raised the price (they always do for Memorial Day and Labor Day).

Over the past 4-5 months I've been attending seminars (about 1 a month) in the Lake Geneva/Delavan area and in WI the fuel has always been .06-.12c cheaper than Illinois.

[leroyjr1]

I'm on the Illinois/Wisconsin border and I've never seen WI fuel prices higher than IL. Cali and Illinois are about the highest in the nation.

Since it's Memorial Day weekend I think they raised the price (they always do for Memorial Day and Labor Day).

Over the past 4-5 months I've been attending seminars (about 1 a month) in the Lake Geneva/Delavan area and in WI the fuel has always been .06-.12c cheaper than Illinois.



Just checked online and The prices are averaging $4.19 with the highest stations at 4.29 for 87. It seems like only south east wisconsin is high , but ALL of Illinois is in the red (very high).I think no matter where you go its going to be RIDICULOUS



http://media.myfoxmilwaukee.com/gasprices/index.html

[Face]

4.45 for premium here, ugg.

[WilliamM2]

$4,19, $4.29, $4.39 as of last night for an average of most stations.

Central Il.

Really thinking of going the motorcycle route, but with the miles I pour on, not sure it would be that cost effective.

riding season of about 8 months (if I go any day above 40 degrees)
Tires only last about 5,000-8,000 miles (for a long lasting sporty touring tire)
Would get about double the mileage I get now (average 45-50 for the bike I am looking at)
Also have to get helmet, riding suit (so I can go into work without bugs splattered on me, not to mention in the rain), and other equipment. (basically just a hair over $1,000 for safety equip.)
bike will cost about 12k (new) and I have no trade in for it (since I have to keep my car) so my gas savings would have to be able to recoup about 13k total in 3-4 years. From quick figuring it will become cost effective when my gas costs exceed $812 per month. (figuring on 13k purchase price for bike and safety equipment, 8 month riding time, double the mileage of my car, over a 4 year time period) At that point it may be more cost effective (and safer) just to move closer to work.

If I do get one, this is what I am looking at.....

http://www.motorcycle.com/specs/sites/mot/images/data/normal/2008_Yamaha_FJR_1300A.jpg

You seem to be calculating this using the full price of the motorcycle, which assumes it will have no value after 4 years. The bike will still be worth $8000 or more, so you only need to recoup $5000 in gas savings.

I have owned motorcycles ever since I got my license in 1980. Currently I only live 7 miles from work, and for a trip that short, using the motorcycle is just not worth the bother. The time it takes to uncover it, and put on my riding gear (never ride without it), is longer than the time it takes to just drive to work.

Experience has also taught me that rush hour traffic is the worst time to be on a motorcycle. Especially in the morning when every cager out there is running late, and driving like an idiot.

On the other hand, I think everyone should have one, just for fun. Nothing like unwinding in the evening/weekend with little 100 - 150 mile spin! Of course those run me $10 to $15 a pop now...

[mhardy6647]

Gas prices just jumped 20 cents today. Now we are paying

87 $4.29
89 $4.39
93 $4.49

Diesel $4.69-$4.79

Milwauke Wisconsin


What are you guys paying?

... and what is this weekend? Memorial Day?! ahh, enlightenment dawns.

[analog97]

We are all being leveraged by the U.S. oil cartel. Their desire is to have unlimited permission to drill the crap out of Alaska. The major oil company CEO's testified before congress last week. Their answers were pretty incredulous. Check out C-Span and find out what they are actually saying.......:confused::confused::confused::confus ed::confused::confused:

[leroyjr1]

Drilling in Alaska will not fix the high prices today

[Danny Tse]

A couple of days, when I filled up, it was $3.99/gallon for 87 unleaded. I am sure it has gone up by now. On the other hand, with my new '08 Civic LX, it is still averaging over 33 mpg despite I am no longer keeping it under 60 mph from the break-in period.

I've seen diesel at over $5.00/gallon here in the Bay Area.

[GaryZ06]

First off there is nothing anyone can do about high gas prices....Nothing.If they raise gas to $10 a gallon tomorrow there is nothing anyone can do.....All you can do is cut back on your driving and cut back on spending in other area's....Around here majority of the vehicles on the road are SUV's and pick up trucks so I guess it's not that bad here:eek:

[mrmusicman]

Diesel fuel in my part of CA ranges from $5.10-$5.29 ,gas is 4.20-4.50 for reg.The price of diesel is going to hurt this country a bit more when trucking companys raise their prices and whoever's commodity is ,shipped,or moved by rail(which is everything we consume)raises their prices... we get to pay for all of the increases at the pump and everything in the stores.:(

[Libertyc]

Time to buy a moped.

[Dennis Gardner]

I love how those in Congress want to grill the CEOs over $4/gallon fuel with a bottle of $10/gallon bottled water or $90/gallon Starbucks coffee sitting in front of them........:rolleyes:

[GaryZ06]

I love how those in Congress want to grill the CEOs over $4/gallon fuel with a bottle of $10/gallon bottled water or $90/gallon Starbucks coffee sitting in front of them........:rolleyes:
Yeah rich guys grilling richer guys:confused:

[Ron-P]

$4.25 for 91. Whatever, I love to drive and will do so no matter how high the prices go.

[markmarc]

In the short term, it is my understanding that oil futures can be bought for x amount on the dollar, that is a recipe for disaster. require 100% investment in oil futures that will slow the oil bubble tremendously.

The reality is that money that used to go into buying mortgages, is flowing into commodities especially oil because it promises a positive return. Fix the mortgage mess and money will go back into it and out of oil.

Long term, is getting the gov't's financial house in order. That will strengthen the dollar.

[petrym]

Long term, is getting the gov't's financial house in order. That will strengthen the dollar.
There was an article in today's Wall Street Journal comparing the rise in oil prices in dollars vs. euros. Due to the slide of the dollar over the past five years (when the dollar and euro were last about equal), a barrel of oil has tripled in euros, but has quintupled in dollars. :mad:

[TroyD]

at least I'm not having to pay for gas this year...

BDT

[Lorthos]

I'm about 2 seconds from selling the truck and buying this.....

I went and test drove a couple of Tacoma's yesterday with the 4 cyl. . I"m about two seconds away from getting one of those.....

[shadowofnight]

I love how those in Congress want to grill the CEOs over $4/gallon fuel with a bottle of $10/gallon bottled water or $90/gallon Starbucks coffee sitting in front of them........:rolleyes:


Aint that the truth :)

[Sherardp]

A little over 4.24 a gallon in Japan.

[krabby5]

I love how those in Congress want to grill the CEOs over $4/gallon fuel with a bottle of $10/gallon bottled water or $90/gallon Starbucks coffee sitting in front of them........:rolleyes:

the difference is that I don't have to drink $10/gallon bottled water..

and the price of bottled water doesn't adversly affect the prices of my groceries, either

[wingnut4772]

I think I am done driving the Hummer for a bit. I will drive the county car while I still can.

[I-SIG]

I think regular is about $3.59 or so. I may have gone up some since it is Memorial Day. Supposedly Tucson is the cheapest in the nation.

Wes

[addikt]

wow 4 dollars /ish thats rediculous here in aus unleaded 93 is like $1.58 and premium unleaded 98% octaine is like $1.82 and thats bad for here and 2 years it was under a dollar and i guess a $1.60 here is about $1.30 over there

[McLoki]

wow 4 dollars /ish thats rediculous here in aus unleaded 93 is like $1.58 and premium unleaded 98% octaine is like $1.82 and thats bad for here and 2 years it was under a dollar and i guess a $1.60 here is about $1.30 over there

Isn't it per liter in Aus though? If so, multiply by 3.785 to get the per Gallon price in the US. $1.58\liter equals $5.98\gal. We still have a ways to go to catch up with you, but we are closing fast.....

Michael

[leroyjr1]

The prices in milwaukee just started coming down

87 $4.03 average
89 $4.13 average
93 $4.23 average

But still not where it should be.I think $2.50 is very far

[treitz3]

So today I pull up at a CircleK to get some gas in Charlotte. For super unleaded, the price was $3.09 a gallon. Yes, that's correct with NO typo. $3.09 a gallon. I look up at the sign, the sign says $4.09 a gallon. Looked back down at the pump, regular was at $3.89 and mid grade was $3.99 a gallon. Somebody screwed up and bad. So I did the logical thing. I filled up with super unleaded.

First fill up in a LONG time that didn't cost me over $100.00.

Now, to those who are gonna give me a lecture about stealing and morals and whatnot. Save it. It'll just go in one ear and out the other. I did call the station to notify them that all of the pumps were incorrectly priced for super unleaded and in the state of NC it is written in the law that if you advertise a product for a certain price, you have to [by law] honor that price......even if it was a mistake.

[bobman1235]

I don't think anyone's really gonna lose sleep over benefiting from the mistake of a gas station of all things....

[xsmi]

They don't lose sleep over what they charge us now do they?

[Demiurge]

I don't think anyone's really gonna lose sleep over benefiting from the mistake of a gas station of all things....

The gas station doesn't really make money on gas. They make it on concessions and other crap, just like a movie theater. I feel bad for gas station owners that get bitched at by their customers for the prices on the pumps -- they have no control over it.

I wouldn't have done it, but that's just me.

[Jstas]

I'll see your motorcycle and raise you this...

Rickshaws rule! Especially ones made out of old plumbing! They have a certain "aroma"!

[Face]

Doh!

[bobman1235]

The gas station doesn't really make money on gas. They make it on concessions and other crap, just like a movie theater. I feel bad for gas station owners that get bitched at by their customers for the prices on the pumps -- they have no control over it.

I wouldn't have done it, but that's just me.

I didn't say it was RIGHT, just that no one's gonna feel bad for them. :)

[treitz3]

http://www.ampland.com/humor/pics/13/05202008iSj9JHJ.jpg


....and how about some nostalgia?


http://www.ampland.com/humor/pics/10/051920087wenGoG.jpg


Oh, wait! There's more! :D


http://www.ampland.com/humor/pics/24/04242008nHjIk94.jpg

[leroyjr1]

last week a gas station in milwaukee was selling 93 for 41 cents instead of $4.19 . Needless to say within ten minutes word of mouth brought dozens and dozens of cars followed by a couple fights , followed by the cops

[Demiurge]

I didn't say it was RIGHT, just that no one's gonna feel bad for them. :)

Oh, okay, why? :confused: I do....

[appadv]

Doh!

You've got us beat by 6 cents/gallon for premium...

The local station around here has premium for $4.53 :eek:

[zingo]

I do feel a little bad for the station owners. I remember a few years ago when some people thought gas was starting to sky-rocket, in the Seattle area a station owner thought it would be cool to sell gas .30 less than the surrounding stations. A few days later, corporate has pulled his sponsorship and closed his station because "he couldn't set the prices" they claimed.

On the other hand I'm pissed because Congress has the oil companies hands tied with drilling for more oil, opening more refineries or anything! Anything on their part would help beause part of the price of gas and crude is "oil futures" and it would show that we aren't just taking it lying down. But oil companies are just not allow to do anything right now with all the restrictions and regulations. It seems to be lose-lose.

[zingo]

San Mateo, Calif.

http://blogs.trb.com/news/politics/blog/assets_c/2008/04/High%20gas%20price%20photo%20small-thumb-425x328.jpg

[Jstas]

It's still $3.99 for Sunoco Ultra 93 right down the street from me.

[xsmi]

The gas station doesn't really make money on gas. They make it on concessions and other crap, just like a movie theater. I feel bad for gas station owners that get bitched at by their customers for the prices on the pumps -- they have no control over it.

I wouldn't have done it, but that's just me.

This is somewhat of a myth. Day to Day a show on NPR spent a day with a station owner and they do have some latitude on what they charge. No the profit is not as big as we think it is, but to say they make no money on gas is inaccurate as well.

[polkatese]

Where's the power be? Are they all in hiding or suddenly lost words? At this rate, if "R" is not here yet as the claimed, surely this price trend will push the economy over the cliff.

[Demiurge]

This is somewhat of a myth. Day to Day a show on NPR spent a day with a station owner and they do have some latitude on what they charge. No the profit is not as big as we think it is, but to say they make no money on gas is inaccurate as well.

/facepalm

Okay, Mr. Literal, the phrase "they don't really make money on gas," is an expression. There's not a single gas station in this country that could sustain itself on just selling gas. There's very little profit in it. They make their living on the general public buying sodas, candy bars, and cigarettes with their gas.

Also -- NPR -- lol?

If you want to complain about the price of gas you can start with the government who taxes the ever loving shit out of the stuff. They make more profit on a gallon of gas than the oil companies and the station owners combined. Where's the outrage?

[zingo]

If you want to complain about the price of gas you can start with the government who taxes the ever loving shit out of the stuff. They make more profit on a gallon of gas than the oil companies and the station owners combined. Where's the outrage?

Amen. Washingtom makes .55 a gallon on gas and .60 a gallon on diesel; second highest in the country behind California. And that's just state tax!

[petrym]

Amen. Washingtom makes .55 a gallon on gas and .60 a gallon on diesel; second highest in the country behind California. And that's just state tax!
We should be glad that the gov't tax is fixed and not based on a sliding percentage scale on the base cost of the gasoline.

[zingo]

I know, but it still feels like robbery.

[Deadof_knight]

Diesel ,is a byproduct of making gasoline so whats the deal with it being higher than gas.....it used to be half of what gas is.... Damn oil companies money mogels!

[xsmi]

/facepalm

Okay, Mr. Literal, the phrase "they don't really make money on gas," is an expression. There's not a single gas station in this country that could sustain itself on just selling gas. There's very little profit in it. They make their living on the general public buying sodas, candy bars, and cigarettes with their gas.

Also -- NPR -- lol?

If you want to complain about the price of gas you can start with the government who taxes the ever loving shit out of the stuff. They make more profit on a gallon of gas than the oil companies and the station owners combined. Where's the outrage?

I wasn't being literal. What I am saying is that When you have a .20 per gallon difference in gas prices from the same brand in the same city, these prices are being set by the stores themselves by what is being charged in that area. Toledo is not a large city and for them to set these prices so differently says to me that there is some latitude in their pricing. I don't disagree that the huge bulk of their profits come from inside the store but, why sale gas if you can't make money from it. Some stores in this city selling the same brand of gas as the guy across town I think is making a little more profit than his counterpart. Is he entitled to that? If the market will bare it, yes.

[WilliamM2]

I don't disagree that the huge bulk of their profits come from inside the store but, why sale gas if you can't make money from it.

To attract people to buy the items in the store. Everyone needs gas.

[Demiurge]

I wasn't being literal. What I am saying is that When you have a .20 per gallon difference in gas prices from the same brand in the same city, these prices are being set by the stores themselves by what is being charged in that area. Toledo is not a large city and for them to set these prices so differently says to me that there is some latitude in their pricing. I don't disagree that the huge bulk of their profits come from inside the store but, why sale gas if you can't make money from it. Some stores in this city selling the same brand of gas as the guy across town I think is making a little more profit than his counterpart. Is he entitled to that? If the market will bare it, yes.

There are brands and blends of gas. They're not all getting gas from ABC Gas, Inc. Gas will relatively be competitively priced across the board, but BP gas is going to be more expensive than Acme gas.

The gas station owners aren't to blame here, and your anger or whatever is completely misplaced.

You asked "Why sell gas if you can't make money from it?" Obviously you're taking my comment that they don't make money on gas quite literally, right?

The gas gets people to the store to purchase the items that have all of the markup. It's a catalyst for more business, but by no means is gas where they're making much of their profits.

I'll just accept your premise for a moment...Why is one station selling for $0.20 less than another station in town when gas was $1.50/gallon any different than now when gas is $4.00/gallon? The profit margin (which means EVERYTHING in business) hasn't changed at all. Is the station supposed to take it in the shorts because gas is "too expensive" now? How come the government doesn't have to tax less? How come we can't forego all of the fuel mixtures forced in certain states that drive up the price of gas? Why would the onus be on the guy trying to make a living to take in less money just because the price of the commodity tripled in price?

The gas station owners aren't the blame for the price of gas and as much as this will hurt to hear -- neither are the oil companies. You can pin almost all of this on three things:

Government Regulation/Mandates
Taxes
Increased Global Consuption

[polktiger]

True - Gas station owners do not have a large profit on the actual gas sales to the customer. I am a CPA and have done the accounting for gas stations in the past, so I have seen real world numbers. However, they do have some discretion. That is why some BP stations will have price differences. It is also why some areas of a town always have "expensive" or "cheap" gas. Each store has its own fixed costs, so they adjust prices accordingly.

However, to say there is NO profit in the gas sales is completely false even if sold at cost becuase many refineries offer volume rebates to the stations. This is the profit in the gas for many stations. I have seen some stations sell at break even on the marginal price of gas just to keep or increase their volume to preserve the size of the rebate from the refinery. While many operators see this rebate as "other income," it is properly accounted for as a reduction to cost of sales - gas.

[appadv]

Just filled up today.

[Demiurge]

True - Gas station owners do not have a large profit on the actual gas sales to the customer. I am a CPA and have done the accounting for gas stations in the past, so I have seen real world numbers. However, they do have some discretion. That is why some BP stations will have price differences. It is also why some areas of a town always have "expensive" or "cheap" gas. Each store has its own fixed costs, so they adjust prices accordingly.

However, to say there is NO profit in the gas sales is completely false even if sold at cost becuase many refineries offer volume rebates to the stations. This is the profit in the gas for many stations. I have seen some stations sell at break even on the marginal price of gas just to keep or increase their volume to preserve the size of the rebate from the refinery. While many operators see this rebate as "other income," it is properly accounted for as a reduction to cost of sales - gas.


Of course they have discretion. We're talkling pennies/gallon. Some perspective is certainly in order. The comments being made in this thread are that somehow gas station owners are striking it rich because of the price of oil. They're not. Their margins haven't changed.

I know there is some profit in gas. I think I clarified that point a few times now. My point is that it's a very small portion of what sustains them as a business. To say that it's okay to take advantage of the mistake of a gas station employee because their supposedly making money hand over fist because of the price of gas is 100% false.

I'm paying the same price for gas as the rest of you. I'm just not appaled at the guys who happen to sell the end product. They're not the enemy here.

[xsmi]

Demi,

Calm down man. My point is that the BP near me sells gas .20 more than the BP across town. In some cases it is less than a mile. I have never meant that we should be angry at the gas station itself, but being the point man in the industry it is easy to blame them first. (We have really hijacked this thread) If I seemed to imply that the station is making money hand over fist, I apologize.

[Demiurge]

Demi,

Calm down man. My point is that the BP near me sells gas .20 more than the BP across town. In some cases it is less than a mile. I have never meant that we should be angry at the gas station itself, but being the point man in the industry it is easy to blame them first. (We have really hijacked this thread) If I seemed to imply that the station is making money hand over fist, I apologize.

I'm perfectly calm.

This part of the discussion got started when it was mentioned that an employee at a gas station posted a price incorrectly and people started taking advantage of the mistake and others chimed in implying it was okay because of the price of gas.

I am just asking why it's okay to take advantage of it. The rationale seems to be the high price of gas, even though it's not really the gas station owners who made it go from $1.50 to $4.00+. It's the price of the commodity in gas - oil. See where I am going here?

If you think a 20 cent swing in gas is the problem here I think you're barking up the wrong tree. We can argue all day about this. Where is the other station? Is it on a freeway? etc. etc....there are factors for everything in the marketplace, but I guess it's just easier to pretend we're all being screwed. I'll accept the premise -- why don't you just patronize the guy selling gas 20 cents on the gallon less if it's only a mile down the street? If the guy selling his gas for more is gauging the consumer the market will take care of itself.

[treitz3]

I apologize for yesterday's post. I guess I'm partly to blame for derailing the thread. I thought that I would give you an update. I drove back by that same shop today, guess what? Price still at $3.09 for super unleaded. :eek: Some people just need to be shot.

If it's still that way tomorrow, I'll try to find out who the owner is. I was floored when I saw that the price hadn't changed. Oh well. Glad I don't own the station. ;)

[appadv]

Just a thought...

I should've filled up some extra cans of gas since the price doesn't seem to be going down, only up.

It seems like the price of premium will be up another 10 cents ($4.69) soon!!

[xsmi]

If you think a 20 cent swing in gas is the problem here I think you're barking up the wrong tree. We can argue all day about this. Where is the other station? Is it on a freeway? etc. etc....there are factors for everything in the marketplace, but I guess it's just easier to pretend we're all being screwed. I'll accept the premise -- why don't you just patronize the guy selling gas 20 cents on the gallon less if it's only a mile down the street? If the guy selling his gas for more is gauging the consumer the market will take care of itself.


I was using the .20 swing in price to show that there is some latitude in pricing. Both shops are in residential neighborhoods. Both neighborhoods seem to be about the same demographically it is just one of the quirks of this city I guess. But, its been that way as long as I have been here. BTW, I do patronize the cheaper shops.

[Danny Tse]

$4.07/gallon this morning for 87 regular unleaded. Over $40.00 to fill up a Civic is just plain sick.

[Norm Apter]

I don't have a car, but on my nightly run, just saw that the cheapest stuff is going for $4.45 and the premium for $4.75. I run by the same gas station every night and have been noticing the price creep up week by week, day by day. Unless something reverses the trend, it looks like we're going to be seeing $5 within two weeks.

[michael_w]

Funny how these threads come up and then people talk of alternatives, but in the end we all just suck it up and pay the price ;)

Btw, $5.25usd / gal for regular / 87 here. Painful.

One of my local gas station makes most their money off of the shop that's also part of the building doing mostly small repairs and oil changes. The only item out of the snack shop that gets regular movement is the occasional drink and a few packs of smokes (I know because I worked there). Not much of a profit margin on gas for them although they do set their own prices according to whatever they feel will go well -- aka, drive around to the other stations and beat that price by half a penny.

[bobman1235]

To those of you who insist on not putting your location in your info, can you throw out an idea of where you are when posting these prices? I'm curious which parts of the country are so expensive (we're still around 3.85 here).

[appadv]

To those of you who insist on not putting your location in your info, can you throw out an idea of where you are when posting these prices? I'm curious which parts of the country are so expensive (we're still around 3.85 here).

Oh that's NYC, for the prices I posted.

[RuSsMaN]

I'm using a pogo stick to go to work today.

[appadv]

I'm riding my bike today.

I need to save up some money for that Polk I-Sonic ES :)

[SKsolutions]

$3.83 was the best price I saw for 'ethanol added, knock & ping 87'.
Metro Boston.

[Gadabout]

Diesel ,is a byproduct of making gasoline so whats the deal with it being higher than gas.....it used to be half of what gas is.... Damn oil companies money mogels!

Not to say they aren't making a larger percentage of profit on diesel, cause I just don't know. However, ever since they made 15ppm sulfur diesel mandatory the prices have stayed higher than gas.

Not sure if that is an actual cause or if the profit margin is just higher on diesel.

I can say that Oklahoma has some of the lowest prices on diesel for the places I drive. The big shocker was when I drove to Colorado in April. For the first time gas & diesel was cheaper in Colorado than in Texas or Oklahoma. That has never happened in the 12 years I have been working this job.

BTW ... Diesel was $4.55 as I filled up and left Texas, $4.51 in OK & probably lower in OKC.
Regular was $3.83 in Texas when I left town today. Around here in Southern OK, regular is $3.85. (Regular = 87 Octane, No ethanol)

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

3.89 here

Still hanging on to my beautiful truck! :)

[appadv]

3.89 here

Still hanging on to my beautiful truck! :)

Wow 3.89? That's ridiculously cheap...compared to gas prices here :(

[deep bass]

$3.75 here in NH, still $120 to fill a tank @ 8mph = NOT GOOD!

[bobman1235]

8 mpg? What do you drive, a cement truck?

[deep bass]

HAHA, just about! I drive this 95 bronco which weighs over 6,600+lbs with everything in and on it.
33574

[heiney9]

$3.75 here in NH, still $120 to fill a tank @ 8mph = NOT GOOD!

That's cheap I'm paying $4.15 here in Illinois.

[dkg999]

H9 - over here in Belvidere it just went down to $4.08/gal! WooHoo I'm going to drive an extra 20 miles this weekend :rolleyes:

It's nice to finally be able to get out the 48 mpg motorcycle!

Demi - you'll be happy to know that us farmers are allowed to home-brew up to 3000 gal of bio-diesel per year, with no permits, EPA paperwork , etc. Just another conspiracy to take grain stock away from food production :eek: Average cost for a gal of home-brew bio-diesel is currently $1.45 according to my buddy down the road from the farm in IA. He mixes it 50/50 with petro-diesel.

[xsmi]

I found 3.87 a gallon today on my way to see my girlfriend just outside the city. In town ranges from 3.99-4.09 for reg. Unleaded.

[treitz3]

$3.72/gal south of Charlotte tonight.

[appadv]

$3.72/gal south of Charlotte tonight.

But it's worth it, you have an AWESOME truck!

[leroyjr1]

Diesel is $4.80 now

[Norm Apter]

Now playing in West Los Angeles. Perhaps coming soon to a theater near you:

Reg. $4.59
Med. Grade $4.83
Premium $4.89

See my post of 5/28/2008 for a temporal comparison.

[Norm Apter]

Latest update, as of 6/7/08 (same station as above):

Reg. $4.69
Med. Grade $4.93
Premium $4.99

[danger boy]

where will it end? suddenly... what we were paying last year don't seem to bad now does it? we were paying on average a buck less per gallon this time last year.. nice to remember the go old days huh?

[leroyjr1]

Milwaukee Wisconsin sloooowwwwly coming down 2 weeks ago $4.29 reg now around $3.83reg

[McLoki]

Peoria area was $4.09-$4-19 a couple of weeks ago. Went down to $3.80-$3.85, now back at $3.99-$4.09.

Must have decided it was just to fast - they readjusted and drove it back up over a few weeks rather than a couple of days. Definately noticed less cars on the road after work when it jumped over $4.00/gal though. I wonder if I will notice that again when it creeps up rather than skyrocketing?

Michael

[fossy]

deep bass --- nice bronco --- Paid $3.99 for premium a few days ago here in the A town -- prolly gone up

[lanion]

Gas prices up = lame
SUV plants closing down = good.
Companies moving toward fuel efficiency = good.
non oil technologies getting more money = good.

high gas prices = good.

[Face]

Gas prices up = lame
SUV plants closing down = good.
Companies moving toward fuel efficiency = good.
non oil technologies getting more money = good.

high gas prices = good.
Yeah, how about the crap economy and rising unemployment rate?

[appadv]

Gas is up to $4.69 here for premium. Although the price of regular is still $4.39. Don't know why but regular gas has stayed at the same price for the most part...

[bobman1235]

Yeah, how about the crap economy and rising unemployment rate?

Exactly. WHo cares about the thousands of lower-middle class folks out of a job or struggling because of the gas, there's going to be a negligible positive effect on the environment!

[heiney9]

Peoria area was $4.09-$4-19 a couple of weeks ago. Went down to $3.80-$3.85, now back at $3.99-$4.09.

Must have decided it was just to fast - they readjusted and drove it back up over a few weeks rather than a couple of days. Definately noticed less cars on the road after work when it jumped over $4.00/gal though. I wonder if I will notice that again when it creeps up rather than skyrocketing?

Michael

Friday oil was up $10.75 a barrel that's why the recent spike at the gas pump again. Wholesale gas was up 0.19c according to the final Wallstreet numbers on Friday. Friggin' ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Norm Apter]

where will it end? suddenly... what we were paying last year don't seem to bad now does it? we were paying on average a buck less per gallon this time last year.. nice to remember the go old days huh?

For a (recent) historical comparison, check out the related thread by the same name (gas prices) initiated by EarlyB just about 4 years ago (May, 2004; the link should be visible at the bottom of this page).

Its interesting to note that at the beginning of the thread someone remarked, "I see it peaking at $2.25 and coming down after that."

I'm not making fun of that person, because who would have known. The point is these statements were made only 4 years ago and in Los Angeles, at present, we're teetering on the cusp of $5 per gallon.

[michael_w]

Yea, it has come a long way in only a few years and seems to have both positive and negative side affects to it. Sitting at $5.54 for regular / 87 today.