320 Nelson Street, P.O. Box 778, Tiffin, OH 44883
Phone (419) 448-3200 Fax (419) 447-3274
General E-Mail: adtrib@bright.net
Newsroom E-Mail: atnews@bright.net

Stand by for holiday shakedown at the pumps

There have been all sorts of promises from government officials -- from Columbus to Washington -- to look into the 40- to 50-cent difference between gasoline prices in this part of the Midwest and others parts of the nation.

We all know that oil prices from the OPEC nations have risen.

We also realize that fuel prices in the country have been kept below what has been paid in other parts of the world.

And it also is true that clean air requirements, resulting in reformulation of gasoline to make it cleaner burning, have added to prices at the pumps. Some say the increased cost is 8-10 cents a gallon.

But nothing seems to point at a reason for Midwestern drivers to pay more ... unless its collusion to make more money.

Doesn't it seem odd that the prices at the stations of all the oil companies have gone up and down together ... usually to the penny?

The rates at the pump are down a little right now. And so is the rate of rhetoric from those doing the "investigating."

When the price are jacked up going into the weekend and the Fourth of July holiday, will the Midwest still be paying that 40- to 50-cent premium?

Don't bet against it.