Gas prices on the rise in North County
Gas station prices at Golden Hill Road and Highway 46 East.
Food prices are also increasing dramatically due to transportation costs
– Gasoline prices in North County continue to go up. Some stations are selling regular unleaded for nearly $6 per gallon. Not a single San Luis Obispo County gas station is selling gas for less than $5, according to a report.
On Thursday, the average price of gas in California was $5.69, that’s up from $4.68 a month ago, and the national average was $4.32, according to CalMatters.
“The president says we’re gouging motorists, but we’re just responding to the escalating price for oil,” said one local gas station owner, who asked to remain anonymous. “Oil is normally $50-60 a barrel. Now, it’s $150 a barrel, and it may be headed to $300 a barrel. People are cutting back on their driving and their purchases, and that’s costing us money.” Oil prices recently peaked at $123.70 per barrel, according to CNBC.
Stephanie Johnston owns Red Scooter Deli in Paso Robles. She says her food prices are increasing dramatically due to transportation costs.
Gas station owners are not alone in their frustrations. Stephanie Johnston owns Red Scooter Deli in Paso Robles. She says her food prices are increasing dramatically due to transportation costs. “The cost of chicken has gone through the roof. Everything, it seems, costs more because of the expense of transporting the product.”
Another deli owner says vegetable prices are increasing because of transportation costs. He says, “Chicken and beef prices will continue to go up because 40-percent of the world’s wheat comes from Russia and Ukraine. The cost of feeding livestock and poultry will soon skyrocket.”
The price of oil is determined on a futures market. The price can change abruptly if those managing oil production make adjustments. So far, there is no reason to believe any changes are forthcoming.
The gas station owner said, “Our pumps are not calibrated to sell gas for greater than $10 a gallon. Modifying the pumps is going to get costly. I hope gas doesn’t get that expensive.”
See related article: Here’s how state lawmakers want to help Californians facing high gas prices
