SHOCK AND ANGER OVER HIGH GASOLINE PRICES - Prices Spiking Over $3 Gallon

(09/01/2005)

Calhoun citizens expressed shock and anger over high gasoline prices yesterday, including a lack of availability. It was a hot topic on the street and in Grantsville stores yesterday. Residents were expressing concern over the several hundred Calhoun residents who drive out of the county every day. Go-Mart raised their price per gallon to $3.09 by yesterday evening, although some areas of the state reported $3.15 a gallon. Baker's Mart in Grantsville was out of gas, and cars were lined up at ChaTis convenience store to fill up much of the day at $2.99 a gallon. (See earlier Herald story) State Labor Commissioner Jim Lewis, whose agency regulates gasoline pumps, says several stations in the Mountain State are reporting shortages. Suppliers are saying these problems are because the refineries are not getting the crude from the Gulf following hurricane Katrina, but gasoline prices were already predicted to go up. Speedy Mart in Arnoldsburg had gasoline last night at $2.92 a gallon. Pit Stop's gas last night at Mt. Zion was $3.10 a gallon. Baker's Mart of Grantsville was out and Holbert's Store at Big Bend was almost out yesterday, but they said they are trying to obtain gas. Home heating oil is presenting a big financial crunch on families, with natural gas rates reaching an all-time high. "Hopefully it will be a warm winter," said one resident.

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