Oil Storm! - Part Deux
I drove home from the law school yesterday, beat and tired, thinking I'd postpone filling up at $2.79 a gallon. A lot of times this past year, I'd go ahead and fill up, only to watch gas prices drop $0.20 the next day. Not a wise move. Gas prices were $2.99 at some stations earlier today, and had already climbed to $3.10 by the time I drove home at 4:30. The cheaper stations were holding out at $3.05. And this is Oklahoma!
I immediately thought of the summer of 98 in Norman, where gas prices ranged from $0.69 to $0.75, depending on where you gassed up. I never thought I'd see $3.
I know this is a result of the terrible tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, and I don't mean to sound flippant. I think it underscores the need for an alternate energy source to power our cars. It reminds me of Oil Storm, the chessy made-for-TV disaster movie from a few months ago. A disaster similar to Katrina was one of the catalysts of the widespread chaos depicted in the movie. In the real world, there are some media punters speculating that we'll see a return of the rationing and shortages of the Carter years. The reserve has already been tapped. I don't want to sound like I have a doomsday sandwich board around my neck, but I wonder if we'll ever return to the good ol' days (and corresponding gas prices) of 1998. I come from the middle class - fairly well off - and even I have a hard time paying for gas. How do the lower income families survive?
How is everyone else. How are gas prices where you live?
7 Comments:
Um, okay ( ^ ). I'm so glad I don't have to drive yet. It's insanity. Stupid war. Stupid economy. You know, it'll probably be $5.00 by the time I drive.
It's about $3 in Lawrence. I'm glad I now live four blocks from work, but it has me thinking I better buy a hybrid.
Of course, everyone else is thinking that, too. So prices of those will skyrocket. It seems only the rich can get a break.
The most expensive gas we've seen in CT is 3.49 for regular. But most stations are at 2.89 to 3.05.
Ah, see, the tech thing WOULD work, except that I'm not in the class. So, I can't do tech.
A few days ago, it was $3.09 at the Meijer, which usually has the cheapest gas. Randy noticed $3.19 on his way home from work yesterday, and saw that some places in Chicago were selling it for around $3.89. Before that, it had been around $2.70-2.79 in our area, although it is usually 20 to 40 cents more expensive in Chicago proper.
Traaaavisssss!
Amy Hayes is looking for you.
She's Orrison now, has two kids, and lives in D/FW.
I'll send her your way.
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