Today in gas prices

I've been remiss this week in catching up with the price of regular at the Chevron station at the corner of Hill and Colorado in Pasadena. Regular Bottleneck readers know I'm thoroughly obsessed watching the station's sign.

The price as of this morning -- the photo is from Thursday evening -- was $4.319 for a gallon of regular. That's pretty high compared to many other stations around the region and, in fact, 10 cents higher than the $4.219 for sale at the Union 76 station a couple of blocks away at the corner of Hill and Walnut. One month ago the Chevron was hawking its regular gas at a clip of $4.719.

The national average for a gallon of regular is now $3.869, according to AAA, and the average in the Golden State is $4.159. The majority of states have an average below the $4 mark.

I get Google news alerts for news stories using the phrase "gas prices," meaning my email inbox is usually flooded. But it does provide a nice view of what's happening around the world -- and how the media are playing the story (to sum it up: We're up the creek sans paddle).

A few samples:

The Washington Post wonders if high gas prices will one day eliminate suburban sprawl; experts are mixed.

Out in Salt Lake City, the Tribune wonders if falling gas prices means people will begin driving more. Some interviewed say maybe, others maybe not.

The Wall Street Journal poses an old question: Why do gas prices rise quicker than they fall? One possible answer -- when prices begin to slip, there's less comparison shopping by consumers, so less pressure for gas stations to lower their price to compete.

Phil Kerpen, a contributor to the National Review, argues that Republicans should keep pressing to drill more oil -- that's what the people want.

The state of New York questioned a proposed rate hike by auto insurance carrier Geico because people are driving less, reports Forbes. Geico backed down.

The Billings (Mont.) Gazette wonders why gas prices remain high in the Rockies, particularly when there are three oil refineries in their area. The oil industry doesn't really answer their question and instead complains about Montana's fuel taxes.

And finally, my colleague Dan Neil takes a look at the flap between presidential candidates Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain over Obama's keep-your-tires-properly-inflated-remarks. Neil writes:

"When it comes to politics, conservation doesn't sell. Many Americans are allergic to the suggestion that they should change behavior or moderate consumption, particularly when it comes to their automobiles."

--Steve Hymon

photo: Steve Hymon / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Jen Webster]

My husband, and I own, and manage gastips.com in Canada. I have alerts for 'gas prices' in my in box daily, and your blog was listed today. We do have a gas news section to our site, but we have not been not keeping it up as we should. I get kind of sick of the same old song, and dance...will it ever end?