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Despite drop, Utah has 5th highest gas prices

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Anonymous | 1:27 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Now that's a surprise. The only way to stop this gouging is to reward the stations with the best prices and completely avoid the others.

CP | 3:33 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Seems like EVERYTHING in Utah costs more then anywhere else. And this state's government seems to always have one excuse after another. I think it's time to elect a new govenor come election day cause the one we have now doesn't seem to be doing a very good job to help us Utahs out.

tobiasrex | 3:55 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Whatever happened to the attorney general's investigation into gas prices in Utah? What's he done to ensure Utah motorists aren't being gouged at the pumps? Why hasn't the deseret news and other media in this state followed up on his stated intention to find out why Utah always lags when gas prices fall, but is among the first to raise prices when they rise nationally?

Do your jobs, deseret news, tribune. Go to work.

Comments continue below

Surprise, surprise | 5:49 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

This phenomenon is brought to you by the same red-light running people who are consumed with greed. Is this really a surprise to anyone who lives here? Itï¿½s all about greed and personal gain.

Ouch | 6:01 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I just filled up yesterday for $2.61/gal here in "small town Texas" yesterday..... but hey, at least you have beautiful mountains. It was 80 degrees yesterday and I have gone almost a month without using heat or air conditioner.... but hey you guys got all the good snow skiing. Sure is nice to see gas heading the right direction though!

Frank | 6:09 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I am in Michigan visiting my sons and can get gas here for $2.87. There is something wrong in Utah and Idaho.

Bob | 6:12 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

So the expert of the fuel in Utah, has no idea why the gas prices remain so high in Utah. So what are they paying him for anyway? Maybe to save money on the fuel let's get rid of Hill. It's also interesting that with any other retail information, economist and people seem to have all sorts of data and can have it within a day. When it comes to oil, it's too big and complicated to tract. I would think there would be a paper trail somewhere to get a good idea. I realize a company can't disclose everything about it's operation and stay competitive. But, it have absolutley no idea what is happening. Seems pretty fishy to me.

I love the excuse that the refineries were shut down to switch over to winter month fuel, and that's the reason we have high gas prices. So, according to them only five states in this whole country, switched to winter fuel.

show-me-state | 6:14 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

In the Kansas City, MO area, gas is $2.499, sounds like greed is running rampant in your local.

CITIZEN | 6:57 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Utah is a RIP-OFF STATE from top to bottom.You know it,i know it.examples-property taxes,food,gasoline,car repairs,etc,etc,etc.

Stevo | 7:05 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Quick Guv, better start a group to look into it!

just moved in | 7:06 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I used to live in Kansas and would visit family in Utah regularly. Most of the time Utah's gas was about 20 cents higher than Kansas' gas. There have been time, when gas prices went up, that the prices were the same. A week ago we moved to Utah and there is an 80 cent difference. Somebody is getting rich off this!

Ediddy | 7:16 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

One good thing the Trib and Dnews could do for their customers would be to post daily where the stations are in the valley, that are posting the lowest gas prices. That way the consumer could put pressure to the right places by the way they buy. The only way fuel suppliers will get the message is in the pocket. Our state officials are in the back pockets of the oil companies. How long is it going to take before "we're mad as hell and not going to take it anymore" kicks in and we remove a legislature that will not support its constituency. As a lifelong Republican, I'm ready to swith to whatever side is on my side, and it isn't the one currently in power.

No representation | 7:24 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Our Utah representatives are too busy bribing each other and supporting McCain-Palin for possible jobs in Washington, D.C. Who cares that their constituents are being gauged by the oil companies?Gas is cheaper in southern Utah than next door to the refineries. "It will all even out." Sure!

US Patriot | 7:30 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

It's Huntsman! He's an oil man. He is gonna suck all he can from us. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Get the bum outta' office! That attorney general too. They are crooks!

jl | 7:38 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I know people who are in the gas and conv. store business and they do very well. And they say they only make pennies on the gallon. I wonder if they misspoke and meant dollars on the gallon.

Go To Wyoming | 7:51 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I've started making trips across the state line to Evanston, Wyoming to buy diesel and gas. Fortunately, I live in Park City, so the drive is reasonable. While I'm there, I am able to also buy some good beer!

What? | 7:52 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Let me get this straight. The Commerce Dept. of Utah can't subpoena oil records; the State of Utah won't conduct an anti-trust investigation dealing with gas prices, and the oil refineries won't release their proprietary information. Who's fooling who? Price fixing? mmmmm....

Francine Giani | 8:00 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

The Governor's office is not interested in investigating and monitoring gasoline prices in Utah. Even though we have refineries here in Salt Lake City and access to vast oil reserves in the Permian Basin, our gasoline prices will continue to be among the highest in the country.
Our focus is on other state matters as prioritized and dictated by Governor Huntsman. Just be patient while prices slowly creep down. In the meantime, stop bothering us.

Oh, please | 8:08 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Where was all this outrage when Utah's prices were lower than the national average earlier this year?

Prices rise, and prices fall. Sometimes they're higher than average, sometimes lower. But there isn't an all-powerful conspiracy that "fixes" prices.

Which is why the much ballyhooed AG investigation into gas prices went nowhere: It was just a sop thrown to the media and the voters by a politician who knew exactly what to say.

Zell | 8:13 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

It's amazing how fast the prices go up when the price of oil increases, but how SLOW they drop when they go down. The oil companies want us to be sympathetic to their plight and then then do stuff like this. Greed really does run the world now from congress to wall street, and big companies. How long can we last as a country? Integrity is important! If you don't believe it just look at our world today and the mess we are in!!

Anonymous | 8:30 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

We get one story when it is going up but another story when it goes down. And every story benefits the Oil guys. They will not divulge the costs because they have something to hide.

My votes in November | 8:32 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

My voting strategy is simple this year. I refuse to vote for anyone currently in office. With the newspaper headlines splattered with bribery and other political nonsense, I'm tired of them all.

nona | 8:35 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Yeah...what's that all about. I left CA in August where gas was 4 dollars and over, and it was the same in 'small town USA'. Arizona was 1.50 cheaper. What's with Utah.

SMR | 8:41 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Does anyone know the address to the Maverik station in the picture?

Same old game | 8:42 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

A few months a go Mr. Hill blamed the high prices on the summer travel. Does he think that Utah is the only place where travel increases in the summer. Now its because we live in a state where it gets cold. I don't know if Mr. Hill has ever been to Michigan in the winter or not, but it gets much colder there than in Utah. However we all need to remember Mr. Hill is paid to protect the petroleum industry not to protect everyday citizens. My advice to the D-news is to ask someone who will give you an honest answer not the scripted one depending on the season.

For Real? | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Are some of these comments for real? Huge profits for gas stations? If you really think that, then go buy one. There are plenty for sale and quite a number that are closed, out of business.

Do a little research. Most people have figured out that gas stations in general are owned by small business men that have no tie to big oil other than for supply. The margins are slim, but adequate to stay in business if the owner is frugal and careful.

If you want to get rich....
Become a Mastercard or Visa. They made more profit in the last 4 years on retail gas sales than the entire Convenience Store industry did on EVERYTHING they sold (gas, candy, beer, cigs, etc). (info courtesy of NACS.) And if they ever get into trouble, I am sure the government will bail them out.

Where's the lowest gas prices? | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I have a son living in Iowa and yesterday he paid #2.41 a gallon. ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP. Maybe it's time to elect someone who can take the time and focus on helping the Utah families and their budgets get a fair shake in at least paying the average gas prices. I am sick and tired of our elected officals saying they can do nothing against the BIG oil companies. At least we could band together and elect someone new who cares and will be willing to do something.

Chris | 9:01 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Oil is below $80 dollars a barrel, the last time oil was this low gas was in the $2.50 range? How is it that once a barrel of oil goes up gas shoots up immediately, but when the price of a barrel of oil goes down it takes FOREVER for gas to go down? HHmm, sounds like more greed to me!

Stan Smith | 9:09 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

re: Frank | 6:09 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
I am in Michigan visiting my sons and can get gas here for $2.87. There is something wrong in Utah and Idaho

It wouldn't have anything to do w/ UT & ID being the 2 most Republican states in the nation would it? lol.

Tuffy Parker | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I absolutely agree that there is something funny going on with gas prices in Utah but listen people, the government is not going to fix it. If you really want lower gas prices, shop around and plan your purchases with the station that has the lowest prices. Anonymous 1:27 a.m has it exactly right - if the refineries, wholesalers and retailers have no motivation to lower prices, why would they? If you want lower prices, help provide the motivation.

Greed only survives when it's fed...

Anonymous | 9:40 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

This is ridiculous. After coming from California where gas is cheaper DESPITE the higher taxes! We need new representation in Utah. Our government officials have to GO! And I'm not even a democrat.

Michigan | 9:41 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I filled up my car yesterday in Detroit, MI for $2.89 unleaded. Come on Utah!

$2.90 Denver | 10:01 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Hey neighbor, I can get it for $2.90 / gal.

Iowa | 10:07 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

$2.57 in Iowa of 10% ethanol blend

Bay Area | 10:18 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Wow, your prices in Utah are nearly as high as here in the CA Bay Area! That's insane, considering we have higher taxes, specialty gas blends, and all that. I remember not too many years ago when the bay area prices were more than a dollar above Utah prices!

missknowles | 10:52 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

very, very unhappy with governor Huntsman. in so many ways. i think people would be appalled if they look at some of what was spent on Capitol Hill this year as well ($25K for an outside film projector for use by the PR office (they want to show outdoor movies on capitol hill - great use of government funds); thousand dollar photo lenses which are being used for personal use for state employees).

this of course before anyone figured out there was going to be a budget problem. and then his absolute lack of concern with things like gas prices. it's why the very well-off should never be elected to public office. they don't understand the concepts of thrift, moderation, or cost-cutting.

wdt | 10:56 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

For you all you knuckle draggers who have posted (and those who haven't), gas prices have nothing to do with who the governor is or what he/she does. (Don't you remotely think that if he did, the prices would be a lot lower now in an election year???)

The whole matter is simple: there are too many people who are willing to pay higher prices instead of shopping for lower prices and too many suppliers willing to keep the prices up for that reason.

So, we have met the enemy and he/she is us!

Stewart | 11:10 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Here we go again Utahns. Complaining about gasoline prices is like complaining about the weather. No one ever does anything about either one of them. It may even be easier to do something about the weather than the price of gasoline.

Slyder | 11:11 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

If you think you have it bad in SLC, come on up to Cache Valley. But all the operators of stations there claim that not making any money even thought he prices here are always higher than most places in the state. It is funny how the prices jump up but are ever so slow to come back. What a bunch of crooks! And we have no way of finding out what is really going on. As far as "Oh, please" is concerned, the prices didn't stay below national average for very long. Sounds like they must be one of those station operators who doesn't make any moeny on gas.

Texas Panhandle | 11:19 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

$2.79/gallon and dropping daily!

hillbilly | 11:26 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Here in Arkansas. Our attorney geniral thretned prosicution, to any station that was caught price gouging. Today we can buy gasoline for 2.60 pr gallion.Whats up with your A.G

Solution | 11:31 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Tired of paying ridiculous prices for gas? Want to save money while you "stick it to the man"? I've got the solution for you:

Don't drive. Don't consume gas.

Show your displeasure with your pocketbook. Quit complaining and do something about it: Walk, ride a bike, take the train. The whining is annoying.

If theoil companies really cared | 11:37 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

They would drop the price to $1.60-1.80 like it should be...

It's ridiculous that they have been so greedy. It's really hurt the economy of the entire world.

Blorb | 11:40 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

It's just all because of those dang greedy refiners and station owners and Big Oil!

Boy, do I sound ignorant.

Crooks and Greed!!! | 11:50 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Big Oil and gas stations are keeping prices up because they can. Nobody can or will stop them. Do you really think Huntsman or the State will do anything? They never have in the past and wont in the future. Don't you just love Oil co. funny excuses as to why prices are still high? What is even funnier is that most Utahns believe their excuses! If you want to get back at them shop for the best price and dont buy ANY of their overpriced drinks and goodies. You will feel better,save money and will be healthier!!

Gordon | 12:00 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Also nobody has pointed out that we pay more for 85 octane than those who have 87 octane. In practically all states their minimum is 87 octane and here it is 85. So we pay more for crappier gas than everyone else. That definitely should be considered a problem. We should have the cheapest gas since it is lower quality than everywhere else.

Tmac | 12:24 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

U.S. crude fell $2.87 a barrel to $75.76 by 12:41 p.m. EDT, after hitting $74.62, the lowest since September 2007 and down nearly 50 percent since hitting a record over $147 in July.

Why aren't our gas prices down as much as oil is down.

Quick to rise...very, very, very, slow to lower.

Anonymous | 12:24 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I have a relative who owns a gas station and gas distributor business. He says that the profit margin on a gallon of gas is at an all time high now. As oil prices have come down, retailers are slow to lower their prices in order to maximize profits. As long as there is the demand at the higher prices, that is what will be charged. That is the definition of a free market society.

Utah is a laughingstock | 12:27 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Oh poor martyrs! You have the 5TH highest prices. Not the highest. Do you realize people surrounding Utah laugh and shake their heads when you Utahns start whinning about how horrible you have life. Have any of you ever stopped to realize that there just might be a reason that your prices are higher than those states who have a direct pipeline from the refineries? Couple of mountain ranges and vast barren expanses of nothing ring a bell. What?? It costs money to bring oil to Utah?? Grow up and stop whining. When you have the most expensive gas then start complaining.

Quit Cryin Y'all! | 12:29 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I filled up my car this morning for $2.23 a gallon, which is tons better than when I was paying $4.15 a gallon over the summer. Quit crying and just go fill up your cars!!

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