From Deseret News archives:
Jump at the pump
Utah drivers paying record prices as gas tops $3 per gallon
The state has joined 12 others in which gas is above the $3 mark. Utah's statewide average price for a gallon of regular, self-serve gasoline is now $3, which is 35 cents more than it was a month ago. California drivers are paying the nation's highest average cost for gasoline, where it's $3.41 per gallon. The lowest cost is $2.78 in New Jersey.
"The prices are increasing all over the nation," said Lee Peacock, president of the Utah Petroleum Association.
He said pressure at the pumps is mainly due to an exceptionally high demand for gasoline.
"The strong economy puts people in their cars more and businesses are seeing more success, and that is putting a strain on supplies," he said.
However, Travis Clark who works at Slim Olsen's Chevron in Woods Cross where the regular unleaded is $3.04 per gallon — said the high prices aren't deterring drivers.
"We're busier than we normally are," he said. "(The prices) are outrageous, but it doesn't stop them. People still need fuel."
The need seemingly rises in the spring, with more people taking long driving vacations and hot weather putting people inside cars.
"When we all use so much fuel, it puts a strain on the system. So, conservation is key," Peacock said.
Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman, said drivers need to increase their fuel efficiency and find multiple ways to conserve. She suggested using regular unleaded gasoline as much as possible.
"Don't treat your car to higher-priced premium fuel unless your car specifically requires it," she said.
Other ways to conserve gas, she said, include: checking tire pressure, taking excess items out of the trunk, maintaining steady speeds, minimizing braking, replacing air filters and radiator thermostats, and inspecting brake calipers. All are common maintenance issues that can contribute to wasted fuel.
April Carver said she has tried to cut back on her driving but has to drive at least 20 miles to and from work each day, and the high prices are getting more and more discouraging.
"It makes it hard to justify driving that much for what I make at work," she said.
In the coming months, Carver plans to cut back on as much driving as possible and try to walk more places from her downtown Salt Lake home.
The average price per gallon in the Salt Lake City/Ogden area is $2.95, while Utah County consumers are paying $2.97. The national average is currently $2.97, but many pumps already have prices above $3 a gallon.
