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Portage sees record prices at gas pumps Area costs higher than state average

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Colin McEwen
April 19, 2008

By Colin McEwen

Record-Courier staff writer

As the temperature rose in Portage County this week, so have the prices at the pump -- going two cents above the state average record set Friday.

Prices hit $3.49 per gallon at some area gas stations Friday and area motorists continued to feel the squeeze on their wallets.

The state average record was set Friday at $3.41, up one cent from the record set last May. The average price in the county was $3.43.

Meanwhile, the national average gas price record was also set Friday, at $3.44 -- a record that has been broken everyday this week.

Bevi Powell, a spokeswoman for AAA Ohio, said it is typical for gas prices to climb near Memorial Day, but not this high and not this soon. She said this is the season when refineries switch to a "summer blend" gasoline and shut down for the changeover, effectively causing prices to skyrocket.

"It's very early for the prices to be this high," she said. "We're seeing record prices all over the country. As you move toward the summer driving season, the prices tends to go upwards."

Area residents are also feeling the pain at the pump.

Michelle Tushar said she has a Yukon parked at Aurora home, but doesn't drive it because it consumes too much gasoline. She has three children, who are all active in sports.

"That's why I bought this car," she said pointing to her 2006 Honda Civic. "I can't drive less."

Chardon resident stopped to fill up in Ravenna on his way to Alliance to give a home estimate for his real estate company.

He said he went from paying $30 each week in gas, to $100 each week.

"It's tough, but we're stuck paying it," he said.

Freedom Township resident Earl Wilson said he is cutting back on other things he enjoys to drive 84 miles each day to work in Cleveland.

He said he spends as much as $140 each week in gas.

"It's insane," Wilson said. "If I'm off (work), I don't go anywhere.

He said he'll keep driving until the price hits $4 per gallon.

"Someone should do something about this," Wilson said. "I hate paying the price, but I have to."




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2.
    Posted by Hardtimes April 20, 2008
Try living in California. The prices range from $3.89 for regular unleaded to $4.09 for premium.
These are the prices for the less expensive areas.
In San Francisco the prices range from $4.15- $4.35 per gallon. Are you still crying?

1.
    Posted by DoWhatsRight April 19, 2008
The price of gasoline is nothing but a big rip off. The government will not do anything about it because they get their share. Maybe it is time that we took matters in our own hands. In stead of putting these CEO on a pedestal as be successful, we as a society should look down our nose at them as being crooks. Social condemnation is a very good deterrent.

Also, let start picketing there homes, place of business, and let them know we mean business, and that we do not buy their lies about why the cost is so high. Maybe a good old fashion set in may disrupt their delivery enough to make them drown in their gasoline. ( Take notice that other business are doing the same thing, raising their prices and lying about it. Eggs $2.00 a dozen is a good example.)

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