Gas prices reach new record high

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Posted: 12:07 AM Apr 24, 2008
Last Updated: 12:07 AM Apr 24, 2008
Reporter: Marcie Kobriger
Email Address: marcie.kobriger@wndu.com

116 comments

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The price of gas reached a new record high Wednesday. $3.54 is the national average for a gallon of unleaded regular fuel. Motorists in Michiana are paying even more. A gallon of regular will run you $3.64, diesel fuel $4.40 at Phillips 66.

Economists predict prices to spike 25 cents in the next month, and peak around four dollars this summer.

It’s a price that may force motorist to think before they drive.

“I think people are going to think about, ‘Can I carpool? Can I ride my bike to work? Cutting back on this sort of unnecessities.” Grant Black, from IUSB’s Economics Department tells NewsCenter 16.

”I have to watch where I drive around to. I don’t always go to the places I want to go to meet up with other people,” Patrick Harman says.

“I actually got my new car because of the gas prices. I wasn’t getting good enough gas mileage,” St. Mary’s student Paige Onley tells us.

Prices are predicted to spike 25 cents in the next month, and peak around four dollars this summer.

The question lots of motorists are asking: When is it going to stop?

Black says the price should hold right around 4 dollars.

”I think it is getting closer to the upper limits,” Black tells us.

Motorist Patrick Harman isn’t so convinced the end to rising prices is in sight.

”Is it really going to stop at four dollars a gallon? That’s what they say. We’ll see.”

Part of Cleveland Avenue closed in St. Joe

Man hospitalized after motorcycle accident

80-year-old Niles man shot, robbed at home; suspects arrested

Golfer Chris Smith and family still in shock over weekend accident

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: larry shepherd Location: goshen on May 15, 2008 at 02:20 PM
what about the money we got from the toll road? why cant we use it to cut the high taxes here in our state!!!!!!!!!!! where the money now...

Posted by: Disgusted Driver on May 14, 2008 at 11:15 AM
It just seems amazing to me - As I was out this morning - EVERY SINGLE gas station I passed was at $3.95 a gallon!! Hmmm....how can they ALL be the same price? I am sure they ALL did not have a gas truck deliver gas yesterday. So these stations just want to cash in on us or what?! I am just amazed and absolutely disgusted by the prices of gas. I am tired of all the excuses and I think we are long overdue of a solution. Whether it is at a National level or just a Local level - we need serious help! My poor children are not going to be able to have a very fun summer vacation as in the past since we will be staying closer to home. SOMEONE HELP US DISGUSTED DRIVERS PLEASE!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 08:44 AM
everything you hear about oil prices is "its the speculators driving the price" wouldnt you think with the billions oil companies are making each QUARTER that they could set up phoney shell companies that speculate not minding paying 13o.00 a barrel knowing once they take enough oil out of the market they will make that money back plus more...........maybe someone should look into just who these speculators are and wheres that money coming from that they invest.......probably not that would mean the politicians would have to actually do something, lets just suspend the gas tax...yea that will fix it

Posted by: liz Location: illinois on May 9, 2008 at 09:48 PM
oil prices wouldnt go up so bad if the oil tycoons wouldnt be so greedy ... i guess 7 billions dollars in profit isnt enough for these people...

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mishawaka on May 2, 2008 at 12:18 PM
A lot of you hicks might want to stop into the library at some point and read National Geographic's article called "The End of Cheap Oil."

Posted by: ME Location: Mishawaka on May 2, 2008 at 09:43 AM
well Lulu return where you came from!!!!

Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on May 2, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Time to start riding the motorcycle to work! May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, so let's all be careful and considerate on the roadways as the weather warms. "Save a life, be aware, motorcycles are everywhere!"

Posted by: Lulu Location: South Bend on May 2, 2008 at 01:33 AM
Between the mexicans taking over our country and the gas and food prices. This is NOT the America we knew a couple of years ago. I am ASHAMED to live here!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 12:17 PM
What I don't understand is gas keeps going up,but yet people are still buying big s.u.v's and big gas guzzling trucks,so why do they complain? Get a Rice burner,don't put image before your budget.

Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on May 1, 2008 at 07:17 AM
Thank you Big Al! You are exactly correct. We blame the government for our poor credit decisions way too much. If you all took government in high school, you would remember there is a law making body called the house of representatives and the senate . These people make the laws, not the President, he just signs them or veto's. Get off his back and start talking to your area's congressman or woman. Let them know you are not happy. Do not send them back into office if they are not living up to the job. Do not trust anybody that runs their campaign promising to suspend gas taxes..this is only a very temporary help and is a horrible idea. You might save up to 7 cents a gallon, road repairs will come to a screaming halt. This is the majority of what funds them. Jill Long Thompson is completely wrong. I think Puckett gets it. Gov. Mitch may not be popular up here, but he has gotten it right by not suspending them often. Do the math.

Posted by: Steve Location: Southside on May 1, 2008 at 05:46 AM
TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOU KNOW GAS PRICES HAVENT REACHED THEIR HIGH: 10. The election isnt over yet. 9. Elementary students havent been taught how to sell short. 8. Milk isnt $8 a gallon yet. 7. President Bush still hasnt asked you to grow a victory garden to feed your family. 6. Katie Couric hasnt asked to renegotiate her contract. 5. Exxon hasnt pumped all available cash from your account yet. 4. People havent stopped complaining about potholes (they can still afford to drive) 3. "rent a sheep" lawn service isnt fully utilized yet. 2. Solar energy hasnt been called an economic feasible alternative yet. aND THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY YOU KNOW GAS PRICES HAVENT SPIKED YET....### 1. gas stations havent finished retrofitting pumps yet to handle two places left of the decimal point yet. ($10 and up)...Come on michiana, lets have fun with this, we're all in this together, how about some stories on how you are economizing???????????? Steve southside

Posted by: Me Location: Mishawaka on Apr 30, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Thanks IDIOT Bush for starting this,,,, It is just going to get worse folks!

Posted by: Big AL Location: Napannee on Apr 30, 2008 at 04:53 PM
So let me get this straight - Bush got homeowners in the the foreclosure mess? Exactly how did he do that? Please explain as I'm pretty sure it wasn't Bush who signed on the dotted line. I hope the average American realizes that the foreclosure mess has directly affected everyone now - a weaker dollar translating into higher cost for oil and any petroleum based product all because the Fed keeps lowering the interest rate in hopes of bailing these people out.

Posted by: Leo Location: Granger on Apr 30, 2008 at 02:27 PM
If you watched the news you noted that BP and Shell were the biggest profit makers this quarter. I suggest that EVERYONE stop buying gas at their stations. We have plenty of places here in the US to drill for oil, everyone says its there, we have oil wells shut down, WHY do we have to keep on depending on foreign oil? The GREED of mankind is the only reason, profit is made at the poor man's expense.

Posted by: Terry Location: Michigan on Apr 30, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Does anyone remember the Enron scandal? This is the same scam they pulled with electricity rates in the west. Manipulation of the market by having control of the inventories. When you control the supply, you can demand what ever price you want. If the whole truth about this spike in prices ever comes out, the Enron scandal would seem minor.

Posted by: joe Location: plymouth on Apr 30, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Question to someone to answer..... Why is the gas prices going up before a gas delivery is made?? Why are we paying the higher gas price before the gas goes into the tank? SHOULD THE PRICE BE WHAT THEY PAID FOR IT WHEN IT GOES INTO THE TANK. THE PRICE SHOULD ONLY CHANGE WHEN THE DELIVERY IS MADE. WHO IS MAKING THE DECISION OF THE PRICES BEFORE THE DELIVERY INTO THE TANK????? CAN SOMEONE ANSWER THAT?????????????????

Posted by: dash Location: so side on Apr 29, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Aren't we putting money back into the hands of those who want to destroy us by buying gas? And by that I mean the middle eastern countries, not the American owned oil companies. I believe this is how they will bring our nation down. Think about it. But on the other hand why is Bush continuing to pad the oil reserve? It's at record level's, so help out all the idiots who voted you back in and throw us a bone.

Posted by: bruce Location: new carlisle on Apr 29, 2008 at 06:23 PM
We have terrorism within the U.S. We don't need the Taliban, we have the oil companies led by George Bush and Dick Cheney!!!

Posted by: kathy Location: New Carlisle on Apr 29, 2008 at 04:52 PM
I went to work this morning and gas was $3.55, three hours later $3.75, three hours later $3.76!! Heard on the radio that BP and Shell report record profits!! What's the deal here?? And you people who drive around in your Hemies, your Hummers, your Tritons and all the other vehicles that are nothing more than a status symbol, park em or tint your windows cos I wouldn't show my face driving a vehicle like that!! Wise up gas guzzlers and quit contributing to the ruining of this economy!! The governments got us over the barrel! (No pun intended)

Posted by: Jackie Location: Granger on Apr 29, 2008 at 04:39 PM
The gas will get higher, and higher. There is nothing you can do about it. No one is driving less, just like no one is eating out less. Stop fussin, an pay it, or find other means of living. Its a mess, yeah, but what can we do. NOTHING... pay or stay home. I hate where I live there is no bus service, its hurting so many. On top of everything else too Yada yada yada...

Posted by: joe Location: plymouth on Apr 29, 2008 at 03:28 PM
usa usa usa usa usa usa usa usa

Posted by: stay at home mom Location: south bend on Apr 29, 2008 at 01:30 PM
I just drove by 7-11 on Mayflower and Sample. Gas is 3.74 a gallon!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Osceola on Apr 29, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I just heard on the radio driving in to work this morning, that Opec said it will get to $200.00 a barrel. $8.00 and up a gallon. That means with my families lawn care business I will be sending over $6000.00 a month in gas, Holy Cow!! Last summer hurt us enough with $2600.00 a month in gas for the business. So much for the Small Business Owners!!!

Posted by: Tim Location: Mishawaka on Apr 28, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Make a still and cook up some corn or taters. Make your own gas. You can use just about anything to make a burnable fuel including wood shavings to make wood alcohol. Ive seen some websites that show how to take french fry grease and make diesel out of it using basic junk you can get for nearly nothing. Lots of vids online showing cars burning everything from grease to compressed air. youtube has alot of these.

Posted by: Reasoning Location: Mishawaka on Apr 28, 2008 at 04:53 PM
We are paying a fraction of what gas prices are in Europe. Its the way it is, and some will NEVER quit driving. It amazes me, how much gas it takes to fill up the SUVs and trucks. I said before,I truly believe it was all a set up, push the big trucks and SUVs, and usually those that have them, can afford them along with the gas.Unless they have got laid off or fired, But still, they were pushed when gas was a wee bit cheaper. Now, its going to get worse. On a side note, have you seen more people on bikes on the road going to work more? I for one, am catching the bus.

Posted by: M Location: V on Apr 28, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Forget about gas, I can't afford to pay for gas because of beer prices. All McCain has to do is promise that his Wife will lower beer prices and I'm jumping ship.

Posted by: joe Location: plymouth on Apr 28, 2008 at 02:36 PM
We need to start taking care of USA instead of others. Who is more important us or them.

Posted by: Old Timer on Apr 28, 2008 at 02:35 PM
You people are spoiled rotten. In WWII, gas was rationed. There was virtually no travel, except for absolute necessity. There was very little selection of food. Everyone had someone close in the military and we all supported one another. Now, it's whine, whine whine. I can't afford to go to Disney World. I can't afford steak this week. My SUV costs too much to fill. Live with it!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 28, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Please tell Nancy Pelosi and her friends this American wants American oil now!

Posted by: R&D on Apr 28, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Horses were given up on a long time ago, because they do make their own "gas", and some solids and liquids, which caused major health concerns in cities. The food for the animals caused storage and fire problems. The carriages weren't too much trouble, though, so they got rid of the horse, and in moved the horseless carriage. Well, now we know that gasoline causes environmental damage, it costs a lot and it's not easy to obtain. Rather than move backwards, our nation needs to move forwards. We need to fund research for alternative fuels that won't cause the problems using oil based fuels does. At the same time, ethanol and bio-diesel are obviously not the answer because of the detrimental effects on the environment and food markets, (which have enough to worry about without adding fuel problems!) As with so many other problems, our future is in research and development-which some people begrudged funding for. So, since we didn't put money into research, now we get to put it in the tank.

Posted by: De' Evolution Location: moving to Alaska on Apr 27, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Horses are believed to make their own gas. Like the circle of life- maybe we should consider reverting back to wild west and settlement era when the transportation of choice was buckboard or bareback.

Posted by: icegirl Location: south bend on Apr 26, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Yeah prices are stupid high! I guess when I get my goverment check in May, I should be able to use it for a couple of tanks of gas!

Posted by: Margaret Location: South Bend on Apr 26, 2008 at 08:37 PM
We need a good president who is not lining his pockets and the pockets of his cornies for when he is ousted from office.

Posted by: here's a beaut... Location: sb on Apr 26, 2008 at 07:09 PM
I've just recently read that oil consumption in the U.S. will rise by 50% in 10 years. Estimated cost for a gallon of petrol...$8.00. I can only hope my paycheck goes up 100%.

Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Apr 26, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Dani & kathy, I agree with you rationing might not be a bad idea. They did it back in WW II because our country faced a very tough enemy and needed to do what ever they could to defeat them. We also face tough enemies today unfortunately it's not one obvious enemy like Hitler was. But a combination of things from the war on terror to the troubled economy and the ever increasing shortage of natural resouces. I think rationing could be a good immediate step to help as most people don't seem to grasp the trouble our society is in. We do need to take drastic measures and realize the enemys we are fighting, whether human or circumstancial are very real.

Posted by: kathy Location: south bend on Apr 26, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Somebody better do something! I'm sick and tired of gas prices jumping in a matter of minutes! There should be a law that gas prices (if there going to rise)should be on a weekly basis,not by the minute).Maybe instead of rationing rice it should be gas!This country is going down the tubes with people losing their jobs, home foreclosures, shootings running rampant, the elderly having to make life threatening choices, kids dropping out of schools like flies, groceries sky high, our veterans families in practically welfare conditions because the main bread winner is in another country fighting a war (for what), etc etc! When is this great country going to start taking care of the people here in the U.S.? I guess the old saying "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer" is true!Our govt. needs to get its priorities in order and balance its giant checkbook like every hard working person does, or should I say is trying to do in these times!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 26, 2008 at 02:11 AM
Well lets see here in the past year I lost my job due to company moving out of state then my house was foreclosed on then I finally get a new job and the price of gas will be taking most of my paycheck to get to work and back. Wow what will be next? And this is the wonderful country we live in. All I have to say is I never voted for Bush but I have to live with this because of all the dummies that did.

Posted by: Connie-the real me Location: Warsaw on Apr 25, 2008 at 09:04 PM
I agree with the few who have had the sense to point out that we need to reduce our dependancy on a limited substance like oil. I reduce/reuse/recycle where I can, but I'm not fond of the idea of biofuels. I've read about the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico which is the direct result of the bio-fuels industry. The run-off is causing serious inbalances and killing everything. I've also been hearing a lot about the serious shortages in the food industry- at least partially due to the use of food as fuel. This is just short-sighted and doomed to failure. I believe the answer is still in research, and can only hope whoever has/gets the power will deem research worthy of the funding it needs.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 25, 2008 at 04:25 PM
If anyone thinks the gas prices are high now just wait Bush and his ripoff friends at oil companies still have 8 more months by then it will be United States of Exon.

Posted by: Nostradamus Location: Nostradame on Apr 25, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Prediction: Gasoline at $4 by Memorial Day. Economy skids to halt bye July 4. Iran will be invaded by Labor Day. By Thanksgiving, we will be talking global depression. Natural Gas prices will be three times the current rate. Notre Dame will be looking for a new coach by the end of the season. Have a nice summer folks!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 25, 2008 at 03:03 PM
I guess the ONLY way we Americans will be able to afford gas/diesel is to quit our currents jobs and go work for the gas companies

Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Apr 25, 2008 at 02:08 PM
One more comment to Frank the Toyota Salesman...my 2003 Saturn L200 gets 41 mpg highway driving and approx. 36 mpg in the city. Its better gas mileage than some of the new hybrids. Gas prices are to high and were getting ripped off, its just that plain and simple.

Posted by: Ron Location: Mishawaka on Apr 25, 2008 at 01:54 PM
If this keeps up people will start making stills in the back yards. Cooking up sage grass or anything they can convert into a burnable fuel like the moonshiners used to do in the 30's and 40's

Posted by: Amy Location: South Bend on Apr 25, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I have a revolutionary idea... How about banks set up shop at the gas stations. Most of our income ends up there anyway, and it would save us gas traveling to the bank before going to the gas station! This really hurts our economy. Think about it, if you had a part time job across town making minimun wage, you'd practically break even going to work!

Posted by: Me Location: Mishawaka on Apr 25, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Land of the free?????

Posted by: L on Apr 25, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Why is diesel gas so high? Isn't that a byproduct, or waste, of regular gas? What about people who drive an hour and a half to work and an hour and a half back home? My husband is in that situation. It's a hard decision to choose between gas or food. What about when the check that is written for gas or food bounces? Thats another outrageous fee . It seems that every company wants to benefit from consumers who are in difficult situations. It's a never ending battle.

Posted by: Don on Apr 25, 2008 at 02:02 AM
looks like we have a trend here,about 50 cents a gallon increse ever year,at this rate by 2020 we will be paying $10 a gallon or more for gas. And they want build more roads,for what!! by then no one will be able to afford gas for their cars!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 25, 2008 at 01:53 AM
I bet this will cut down on the punk kids cruisin around all night booming there stereo's

Posted by: tator salad on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Something has to be done! There is no waiting, something has to be done! Crime and foreclosers is on a record high.

Posted by: N on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Its nothing but pure and outright price gouging. I got gas the other day for 3.42. I drove back past the station maybe 10 minutes later and the price had jumped to 3.65. No semi truck ever showed up to pump new gas into the tanks! How can they raise the price 23 cents when it was already in the tanks to begin with?! Pure B.S. is what it is. No wonder drive-offs are happening more and more.

Posted by: mark on Apr 24, 2008 at 09:35 PM
just paln sad that in a country as ours, we are controlled by corp greed and the gas companies. when will it change? never as long as profits and money rules the world. just plan sad. we have to drive period. so we pay, regardless. recind the tax breaks for hte oil companies and put some control on hte gas game. it is way out of control. can't the government do anythgin? if not, fire them and get someon who can

Posted by: Frank Location: Mi on Apr 24, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Oh yeah, well I just got a 2009 Toyota Corolla and I am getting about 37 mph average.. so there oil comp's.. I just laugh now when I now get to drive right by the station...

Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Apr 24, 2008 at 06:06 PM
I'm suprised it took $3.50/gal. gas to get everyone worried. I wasn't old enough to drive but I remember the 1973 gas crisis and it has come as a suprise to me that so many people take gasoline for granted. Just today I read in the paper that Saudi Arabia is tapping in to their last virgin oil field and that it will take special technology to get the oil out of the gound. There are other oil fields around the world and yes even in the U.S.. But my point is that any way you look at it there is a limited supply and we are starting to run out, WORLD WIDE. We need to realize that oil isn't the answer. I know that's not an easy thing to address (What else do we use?) but the fact is some day we're going to run out and the sooner we admit that the easier it will be for us to do something about it. For now what we can all do is try to conserve not just because it's expensive but because it's going to be better for all of us in the long run.

Posted by: Patti Location: Niles on Apr 24, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I filled up my gas tank on Monday evening at $3.42 a gallon and on Tuesday morning it had jumped to $3.64. How does that happen and when is someone going to step in and say enough is enough? I am seriously considering riding my bicycle to work from now on.My husband and I make a decent living but we have still had to make some major cutbacks. We have cut down on going out to eat or ordering in, we are making less trips to the store, trying to combine trips whenever possible, but it's not only the gas, it's the price of everything going up. I paid $3.00 for a dozen eggs. How sad is that. And $4.00 for milk. And these are things you have to have. The average person cannot afford and luxuries, and these are not even luxuries but neccesities.

Posted by: MD on Apr 24, 2008 at 04:54 PM
We need to look into alternative energy options other than oil, and not alternatives that take away from the food chain, like we are seeing with rice. We need to research and implement new energy options. I don't know what, as I'm not a scientist, but something needs to be done, and we need to start now. It's a good fiscal and terrorism policy to get off of all oil.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 24, 2008 at 04:24 PM
how is it that prices fluctuate, but the gas was purchased at a previous price and is already in the underground storage tanks at the fueling stations? Its all BS, and its killing americans. Yes, George owns an oil field, he is one happy guy right now. must be nice!

Posted by: Barb Leahey Location: Sunnyvale Trailer Park on Apr 24, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Adam Smith from Scotland should run for President!

Posted by: Terry Location: Michigan on Apr 24, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Law of supply and demand? Control the supply and demand the highest price!

Posted by: You can call me JACK Location: South Bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 03:53 PM
"Take a stand. Write letters and call your congressman and senators. Congress held hearings, but we cannot let them think that is enough. If they are not hearing complaints, then they are free to let the oil companies continue to buy their support and their silence. Until we put pressure on elected officials by actually voting for their opponents, they have no motivation to take on powerful companies and their powerful hired guns who are also known as lobbyists." And write your STATE Senators and House members too....bury them all with email.....They think all is well unless you do that ! And it is an ELECTION year for crying out loud...WRITE/EMAIL/TALK to those CANDIDATES !

Posted by: Phoebe Location: Southside on Apr 24, 2008 at 03:26 PM
From many difficult situations, Americans have met challenges and succeeded. Sometimes its not inthe short term, but in the long term. What good can come from this? Conservation, dedication to finding alternatives, improved mileage by manufacturers, and good experience for those of us who have had things so good for so long. Tough times build character and encourages us to work smarter. Let's meet this head on, keep a good attitude , and look for some attainable options............

Posted by: cathy Location: elkhart on Apr 24, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Why is $4 a gallon the magic number? Will that then be enough profit for the oil companies. How do they know that is where it will be? Who determins just how much they will take the American people for?

Posted by: Dani Location: Disco on Apr 24, 2008 at 03:10 PM
I find the blame-game a little amusing. The President, the governor, senators, congressmen...but, where's the one who really does share the blame-THE CONSUMER. I will believe the gas prices are too high when the fool down the road stops disturbing the peace everyday with his motorized moron toys. And the redneck who doesn't even hesitate to drive his quad-cab/4WD/large-bed truck for every little errand. And, the dingbat who lets the car run for an hour while waiting for her kid to come out of the school-(after all, she CAN'T live without her AC/radio). Or the dopes I know who are actually so lazy they drive to the end of the driveway to get the mail from the box!(And, no, they aren't handicapped-"physically") They all enjoy being "gas-gluttons". It's simple supply&demand, folks. But, by all means, let's let the government solve the problem. Bring on the gas rationing! I AM NOT WASTEFUL-so it wouldn't hurt me at all. And, we owe it to future generations to deal with this reality.

Posted by: Wendy Location: Elkhart on Apr 24, 2008 at 03:01 PM
It depends on the refineries not the price per barrel. However, the national average is 3.503 per gallon and I had to get gas today at 3.63 per gallon at Martins. My husband just filled up today in Ohio on business at 3.34 per gallon. Hmm...thanks Mitch!!! We just love the tax increase. I'm a republican that will be voting Democrate for Gov.

Posted by: Rose Location: Niles on Apr 24, 2008 at 02:38 PM
These gas prices are so stupid. I don't understand why they just keep going up and if they go down its only a few pennies at a time. If they don't go down soon I think I may have to close my business, until they do.

Posted by: me Location: somewhere on Apr 24, 2008 at 02:28 PM
GO GREEN!! i save a lot of money for gas this way. i have four kids and 6 pets (strays that moved in). we had to something. to make doctor appts. for my kids they all had to be at separate times and days. four trips into S.B. from my house is expensive. it's not just oil companies stealing our money but everyone. the big wigs who took over the doctors because everyone got sue happy and doctors couldn't afford malpractice ins. we have to start at home. make your own cleaning products, personal care products, and food. let's hurt the big co. they are doing fine but we are suffering. we can't blame anyone but ourselves for prices being so high. they jack them up we still buy. milk and gas costs the same well right now gas is a little cheaper. take notice of all the prices that have gone up since gas went up. we will continue this way until WE do something ourselves.

Posted by: Christine Location: Osceola IN on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:30 PM
I am a own a small Bus and the cost of Gas is killing me. To the point of closing my doors. When the oil CEO are making big money. And working people are just try to make ends meet. Cuz they have to chose between paying are rent or food or gas or meds that is a shame.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I'd like to point out, really, the oil companies are fine with no new refineries. If there's more supply, they'd have to lower the prices. Lats I heard they had only tried to get 5 new refineries in the past 20 years. That's sure not pushing very hard. As for drilling in Alaska, the propose drilling would only have enough oil for the US for a year or 2. Not exactly the boom we need. face it, oil is high because they can make money. Until the government decides it should be regulated like any other utility (water, electricity,natural gas), it will stay high.

Posted by: M Location: V on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:23 PM
It's a silent World War. The world oil producers vs us. They see us sending 3mil gal a day of fuel to Iraq and are taking there share. I agree, ER, and Adam Smith, you deserve a pint. The only way to win this war is to either tap that salty cave while we start pumping our own gas out, or, stop having kids so we reduce the demand. People need to stop making their own two-legged oil burners, like China is. Especially if there is a chance that you or your relatives will be or have been on the Springer show. Get a dog or two instead.

Posted by: Margaret Location: South Bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I guess George W and his cronies have to get as much money out of us as they can before the election. This is nuts-I cannot afford to buy gas and buy groceries too. When I pick up a gallon of milk, I look it and say, maybe I should be getting gas instead.

Posted by: Tommy on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Ted, price of gas per gallon in Venezuela - $.12. Export price per gallon - $.44. Cost per gallon to transport to US - $.25. Import price per Gallon - $.36. Sales tax on Gas - $.84. Cost per gallon to get to gas station - .21. Markup price to transport - $1.43. Cost to the consumer - $priceless.

Posted by: ME Location: Mishawaka on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Terry, I can't speak for anyone else, but I am surviving the best way I can. Making a statement is not whinning. You don't know where I work, or for that matter, anyone's personal circumstance. I have college loans to pay back, 2 mouths to feed, my childs father passed away, so I don't have 2 incomes. And the state doesn't help me with CRAP!!! I'm not asking you for your money. I'm saying the reality is, is something needs to give. Oh and by the way I do have that good corporate job I'm considered middle class just like you!! that still doesn't change the fact that gas prices need to come down and so does alot of other things for example FOOD!!!! OIL is effecting our ecomony!!!!! People are spending more on fuel and less on other things which causes all prices to increase!!!! ummm I do believe its called a Recession!!!

Posted by: Rob Location: South Bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:42 PM
What I don't get is if the price went up per barrel $.14 then why did the cost per gallon go up over $.20?

Posted by: terry Location: mishawaka on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Everybody talks about riding bikes and not buying gas. We are all pee-ons are opinion does not matter. The goverment is all corrupt no matter who is in office. REPUBS OR DEMO's. We as a country have made bad choices for 20 years. Survive the best you can and quit whinning. If you do not make enough get a better job, if a mexican has the one you want, find a better one. Kids dont be a manual labor monkey at a factory. This is not the 80's when it was the only out there. Learn the computer, get a skill and move up the food chain. And dont think i am so high and mighty banker. I do maintenance for a living at 35,000 a year and took me a while eating ramen and bologna to get where i am today.

Posted by: Ted Location: Pudawaya on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:35 PM
I seem to recall, down in Venezuela they sell gas for 12c a gallon or something, cos they just make the oil there and it's everywhere so its real cheap. What we need to do is stop asking these other countries to make oil for us and just make our own! I'm no scientician, but I'm sure if we all pull together, like we did in the depression, that we could pull this one off and maybe, just maybe we our childrens childrens will still be able to drive SUV's in the future. Just a thought.

Posted by: Er Location: michigan on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:22 PM
If we'd just tap into one of our reserves for a few years, and hit those opec nations in the pocket book it'd help our situation out quite a bit.

Posted by: np Location: south bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:21 PM
When will the oil companies have a ceiling put on the profits they make at our cost.Fat cats just get richer while we dig for change. We all need gas to go to work, school,etc. Oil typhoons know this and take in the money and we pay it. We are told that prices are controled by oil companies, then told gas is high because investers drive the price up, then it's the decreased value of the American dollar. What is it? We pay because we feel we have no choice. That is where our government has taken us. Where do we go to get answers and stop this madness? you certainly can not call anyone, write to anyone, petition anyone. We as citizens need answers and need to know our voices are heard. I though that we the citizens of America has a voice.... nope...not anymore.

Posted by: eh Location: mi on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:42 AM
everyone needs to wake up and realize that regardless of who is president, the gas prices will be as high as they are. we buy most of our oil from o.p.e.c. nations, and they are setting the price. so until we stop supporting the foreign countries of where we get oil from and start getting it out of our own ground, this problem will always be here.

Posted by: chris Location: rochester on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Thank god i got rid of my gas chugger. an got a four banger. but its still hard to pay over fifty dollars to fill up my truck. But its better and paying over a hundred dollars. Plus i dont drive unless i have to. We all need to be smart and make one trip into town instead of every day if possible put doctor appointments close together and other events close together my wife and i do and we have three kids plus a baby.

Posted by: Timmy Location: Buchanan on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I'm sure that the powers that be have used reports like this to jack the price up even more....

Posted by: carrie Location: SB on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Herb, if we can't afford to fill our tanks how do you expect us to buy a hybrid?

Posted by: Kathy Location: IN on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Something has to give. It's a shame when my kids have to go without just so I can put gas in my car to be able to get to work. I work to pay for the gas to get me to work!

Posted by: ME Location: Mishawaka on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:58 AM
If millions of our hard earned dollars would quit going over seas and supporting other countries we wouldn't be in the current situation. I mean think about it, that's the whole purpose of this tax check, for people to put money back into the economy instead of paying bills. But look at our leaders are doing. And with gas prices and food SO high really what choice do we have!! Something has to give, and going to and from work is not an option for most. Wish I could ride a bike to work, but I can't because I have a 3 year old. Certainly can't afford a hybrid, I can't afford the car I have now which is a 2002!!!! Something has to give for the middle class, I already work 2 jobs and still have a hard time making ends meet.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Bring the cost of fuel down by stopping the use of as much gas? They will just sell to other countries. That is the main problem. America is competing with a lot more countries for the gas. The American dollar is not worth as much so we pay more for oil. Our problem rests on getting the dollar to be worth more world wide. Then we can get oil for less. Until then, we will be paying more. The government could get rid of the gas tax they charge us. I don't suppose the Dems would go along with getting rid of a tax. At least President Bush is getting us some of our money back in July. That might be enough to cover your extra gas expense for the whole year or maybe two. It's more than the Dems would have done.

Posted by: Margaret Location: Dowagaic on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Your average is still lower than in Dowagiac where gas is 3.69 and has been. We have the highest price gas per city as all of our stations seem to be working toghether to be sure that we all go broke buying gas locally. They wonder why we go out of town? Why not? I'd rather give my money to a station out of town that is not trying to gouge us to death.

Posted by: Al Location: Evansville or LakeVille, Im not sure on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Herb, it's people like that you that are gonna hand this country to the A-rabs and the Japs on a frickin silver platter. It's our G-d given constitutional right to drive ANY kinda veehickle we so choose. You wont catch me driving no japanese Hybrid cornsyrup drinking hippy car. They'll take my hummer steering wheel from my cold dead hands! Amen and vote!

Posted by: Nick Location: Niles on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I've only seen one comment on here that makes sense and that's Adam from Scotland. Everyone else who wants to blame Bush, Republicans etc, try thinking for yourselves instead of listening to the political rhetoric from the Democrats. You are the exactly the kind of voters that they love, try thinking for yourselves and do a little research. We haven't built new refineries in years, but nobody wants one in their backyard. We depend on foreign oil, but we can't drill here. Congress has more power than a single President ever has. I think its time for common sense tests to qualify to vote.

Posted by: Ranger on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Herb G, you hybrid people make me sick. You're so smug, you think your own farts smell good. You're all 'hybrid this' and 'hybrid that' then the next thing SMACK you run over some poor blind person. If you drive hybrids you hate America!

Posted by: joe Location: plymouth on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I will spend my $600.00 check on filling my gas tank just one time. (Maybe twice?)

Posted by: Jeff Location: LaPorte on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I tend to roll with stuff I can't control. I try to ride my bike to work 2 or 3 days a week to cut back on fuel consumption. I'd ride it everyday if Gordy could get the weather to cooperate :) It's about 16 miles round trip. I may get in better shape as a result.

Posted by: Jim Location: South Bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:00 AM
It's really sad that we have to blame Bush for everything that happens in this country. It's not the republicans or the democrats that have caused the economy to tank, its the oil speculators and oil companies and stock holders driving up the price of oil. It's the evironmentalist and you who don't want a new refinery built next to their property. There has not been a new refinery built since the 70's because of the American public. So who should wake up and smell the coffee? Everyone is now feeling the pinch where it hurts. Fight back and quit complaining. Boycotting gas for a day does not work. Let all boycott buying gas from BP stations only. Let one of the big oil companies feel the pinch we feel and see what happens. You will start to see the price start to go down. Call your government representative and complain about the high taxes being charged on fuel. These things will help bring down the cost of fuel. Let's all wake up. -

Posted by: Mike Location: South Bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:00 AM
The government refuses to admit we are in a full recession. I think gas prices are more to blame for this than the housing market. I have had to make cuts in other things to meet the rising energy cost. We cancelled our Florida trip, and some other activities we planned to do with our kids this summer. Instead we will do things closer to home and spend less money. So you can’t tell me this is not having a huge affect on the economy. We are one family making huge cuts, million of other families we do the same. That check we get from the government will be spent on bills and gas and the rest saved. So much for the stimulus package Bush, you guys have made it impossible to just spend it on want items. It’s a sad situation.

Posted by: Herb G on Apr 24, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Well, I drive a hybrid, and I cannot believe that people still haven't seen how important it is to drive a hybrid. I mean, come on people now, get a hybrid! Be good people now.

Posted by: Jim Location: Mishawaka on Apr 24, 2008 at 09:50 AM
The amish got is right. No gas to buy, except LPG to cook.

Posted by: Pat Location: Middleofnowherebury on Apr 24, 2008 at 09:46 AM
I believe the US should rescind all financial aid or other economic relief to any and all countries within OPEC. There is no shortage. The price is artificially inflated by conscious supply limitations on the part of OPEC. Exxon Mobil and the other oil companies should be taken off all tax credit rosters as well. If their actions hurt us, we should start hurting them back. Perhaps when we can afford multi-billion dollar lobbying efforts to our elected officials, they might start to pay attention.

Posted by: Adam Smith Location: Scotland on Apr 24, 2008 at 09:32 AM
I hate to break up the neo-Marxist lovefest going on in the previous posts, but the government has a poor track record when it comes to controlling the price of petro products. Does anyone here remember 1974? It’s simple economics 101. Oil and metal prices have been increasing more rapidly over the past few years mainly due to increased demand from China, India, & the rest of the world. They are trying to catch up to our consumption levels.We need to increase supply (drilling in Alaska, build more refineries, develop economically viable alternative fuels) or decrease demand (cutting back driving, more fuel efficient vehicles, nuke the Chinese etc.). Much of our oil comes from the volatile areas such as the Middle East, Nigeria, Venezuela and that pushes up speculative pricing. The relatively weaker dollar that we are experiencing also drives up our cost, although that’s a tradeoff because it should make our exports increase, which increases our GDP.

Posted by: Bob Location: SB on Apr 24, 2008 at 09:20 AM
When nancy pelosi and her crew took over in 2006 she told all of us she would lower gas prices, which helped the democrats take over big time. Nancy, would you please put that plan in place now........

Posted by: Jeff Location: South Bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Why doesn't Congress do something about this situation with the gas prices? It is easy to blame Bush, but obviously he alone does not have the power to do anything. If Bush did unfairly gain financially from all of this then Congress would impeach him ASAP. Luckily I have been buying stock in oil companies so I can get some of those huge profits. Anyone who has a 401K can also invest in portfolios that are heavy in oil company investments.

Posted by: Erin Location: South Bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Take a stand. Write letters and call your congressman and senators. Congress held hearings, but we cannot let them think that is enough. If they are not hearing complaints, then they are free to let the oil companies continue to buy their support and their silence. Until we put pressure on elected officials by actually voting for their opponents, they have no motivation to take on powerful companies and their powerful hired guns who are also known as lobbyists. I would like to know where we are with alternate fuel sources. How is it we can put a man on the moon and replace hips and knees, but we cannot figure out how to run a car on anything other than oil? Maybe the 13 year old in Germany that recently proved NASA wrong can get to work on this. It is time for us to remember that as a group we are powerful, but until we have an electorate willing to do the work, nothing will change.

Posted by: Edward Location: Mi on Apr 24, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Whomever is at fault for letting this all happen needs to be set on Fire ! The Greedy Party needs extinguished ! Bush thinks nothing about gas prices as he's probably never even paid for a gallon of gas. An Idiot he is I agree.

Posted by: joe Location: plymouth on Apr 24, 2008 at 08:41 AM
All it's coming down to is WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW MUCH DO WE WANT TO SPEND TONIGHT. The gas prices are going to EFFECT everyone's pocket. Well kids we were going to do this but.....we need gas. Someone needs to WAKE-UP and SMELL and DRINK some coffee to open eyes on what is going on now. All this is doing is rolling down hill and hurting everyone.

Posted by: Lin Location: Mishawaka on Apr 24, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Hey, Trisha and Gordy! Lin here again re "coasting." Peddle? Good grief. Anyway, if people would take their feet off the gas PEDAL when the light ahead is red and coast, they could save a few bucks.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 24, 2008 at 07:52 AM
They are slowing inching us up to $4 a gallon, can't you see? It's all a game and they are playing us for fools. See, Bush doesn't care anymore because he is being elected out of office soon. So the Republicans are trying to squeak out all the $ they can from us until they are elected out of office (hopefully). They are playing us for fools, seriously. The gas is just one part of it right now to see how far they can go with it. Of course, we as Americans will keep driving. It's a way of life for us, and they know that.

Posted by: dave on Apr 24, 2008 at 07:41 AM
”Is it really going to stop at four dollars a gallon? ,NO ,its not, they will push the limit till the economy really slows down, then prices will back off, just watch,

Posted by: ME Location: Mishawaka on Apr 24, 2008 at 07:29 AM
I agree Bush is to blame, he's leaving this major crisis for the next president to fix!! Its out of control. I'm a single mother of one and I have to work 2 jobs to make ends meet. These oil companies are not struggling like the average joe! And I agree it can be stopped there isn't a shortage of oil, its a shortage of brain power!!!!!

Posted by: Steven Location: Grand Rapids,Mi on Apr 24, 2008 at 07:16 AM
I see Gas is cheaper in Indiana as it always is.It's 3.69 a gal. up here and still goes up.On Tue. and or Thursdays Speedway always takes there gas up on those 2 days and sometimes they fool you and do it on Mondays.I'm learning when to get gas before it goes up.Remember Bush is part owner of an oil field and he's on his last year and he needs money for retiring and hes not stopping this.So I blaim Bush for all of this.

Posted by: Wayne Location: South Bend on Apr 24, 2008 at 07:06 AM
If our government really wanted to they could stop this outrageous price gougeing.I am on a fixed income being retired for two years now and even when i was working it was bad enough. Come on Bush wake up and do something you idiot!!!

Posted by: mark Location: mishawaka on Apr 24, 2008 at 06:51 AM
I wish I could only pay $250.00 a week for deisel. I drive a one ton truck here local and I have to fill up every day, average $115.- $125. and that comes out of my pocket. Then only making $180. a day, I'm getting to the point to sell the truck and just go fishing.

Posted by: Lin Location: Mishawaka on Apr 24, 2008 at 06:36 AM
I'm continuing amazed at how people lay on the gas peddle when the light ahead is red. Try coasting, folks!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: nappanee on Apr 24, 2008 at 06:19 AM
Thank god I get that tax check in July so I can go and get me a tank of gas.

Posted by: sure it will Location: sb on Apr 24, 2008 at 04:45 AM
Sure we'll think about not driving as much. We'll also be thinking about not eating out as much. Not purchasing items that make our lives a little more tolerable. Not donating to charities. Not doing a lot of things. This is way bad for the economy. I see problems for lots of people. Enough is enough.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 24, 2008 at 04:20 AM
These gas prices are crazy. I have four kids and have to transport them to all their appointments, schools, and anything else. I have no way to get anywhere without taking my minivan and the gas prices are making it more difficult for my family. We were ok when the gas prices were three dollars a gallon we were ok, but these prices are not in our budget and we are having to find other things to cut back on because of this, which there is not much to cut back on. Something needs to be done about this before my family and other families have no money for the other important things.

Posted by: Diane Location: South Bend, In on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:54 AM
It's a shame people are going to have to decide over filling their gas tank so they can commute to work for the next week, or buying groceries after the utility bills have been paid in order to keep their house functioning. Wasn't it bad enough that folks had to choose between necessary prescriptions and food?

Posted by: JIM Location: Laporte on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Tuesday on the way to work at 7:30 a.m. in Michigan City gas at most of the stations was 3.47 (Jewel was 3.58.) At 11:00 a.m. speedways raised there price to 3.75 the other eventually went up to 3.65 some to 3.75 This was around 2:00 p.m. Then on my way home from work at 6.00 p.m. Speedways were down to 3.58 a gallon. Now can Speedway tell us what happened that they went up $.28 a gallon then just 7 hrs. latter they go down $.17 a gallon. And in Michgan City you will notice the first one to raise their price is the Speedway stores then after everyone else goes up they will come down just below them.