Full gas tanks empty locals' pants pockets

Full gas tanks empty locals' pants pockets

By: Loryll Nicolaisen, Journal Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Ben Furtado/Auburn Journal Randy Hicks changes the prices of his gas Wednesday in Auburn.

Auburn motorists and their counterparts throughout the state are undoubtedly cringing when it comes time to pull up to the pump.

How much is it going to cost to fill 'er up this time?

The average price for gas has increased 69 cents per gallon in 2007, according to a report released Tuesday by AAA of Northern California.

The statewide cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gas is now $3.34, up 23 cents per gallon since AAA's last fuel price survey on March 13. The Northern California average mirror's the statewide cost per gallon, an increase of 20 cents per gallon since the last report, according to AAA.

"I think that Californians have become desensitized and we need to speak out against this," said Laurette Fox, of Meadow Vista.

Randy Hicks, owner of Rowdy Randy's, said customers "definitely react" to gas prices and that he feels for his customers. "The average person doesn't have the money to pay for this kind of fuel," he said. "It's just an extra tax on the people."

Fox stopped at Rowdy Randy's in Auburn Wednesday afternoon to fuel up her Dodge Dakota. Fox said she pays, on average, $70 to fill the tank, which she does on a weekly basis.

At a nearby pump, Auburn resident Amanda Downs fueled up her red Honda Prelude. A stop for gas costs her an average of $40, she said.

"A year ago, before the hike up, it was $20," Downs said. "My husband, he's gone from $50 to $80."

Downs said her husband, a contractor, must drive a lot for work, but she tries to stay off the road.

"I actually avoid driving at all costs," she said. "I'll go on trips if my husband needs me to go, otherwise I won't leave the house at all. I put all my tasks into one day."

Gasoline consumption is on a downward trend for the first time in a decade, according to state government statistics, but other forces - low refinery production, unplanned production problems, a delayed switch from winter to summer fuel blends - continue to push prices up, according to the recent AAA report. The cost of crude oil also remains high.

Hicks said considering the power oil companies and the government have on this situation, he doesn't see it getting any better for customers who gas up at stations like his.

"I fully believe that this is here to stay ... I believe that it will bankrupt the country," Hicks said. "I think the average person cannot afford $3.50 a gallon. I've got mothers with kids in the car and they're stressed."

The Journal's Loryll Nicolaisen can be reached at