Gas prices in county could surpass $4
As Russia wreaks havoc on Ukraine, gas prices in the United States have increased in anticipation of the conflict. In Butler County, commuters could be paying over $4 a gallon soon, as the price of a barrel of oil shot past $100.
As of Friday afternoon, fuel prices in the county averaged at $3.69 per gallon of gas and $4.20 per gallon of diesel.
Dell Cromie, president of Glassmere Fuel Service, said the increase is due to multiple factors, and ways to cope are out there.
“There are so many variables; it’s hard to predict what will happen, but don’t panic,” he said.
Some analysts believe regular gasoline could climb to $4 a gallon on average in the U.S. in the coming months.
Cromie said he doesn’t foresee consumer prices reaching $5 per gallon, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused prices to increase in preparation.
“There was some war speculation built into price, but demand is high,” he said. “Russia provides crude oil to Europe, and Europe will have to turn to someone.”
Compared to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for gas has risen considerably along with prices. In March 2020, production slowed, and Cromie said supply from OPEC has not been replenished to its prepandemic numbers.
“(Our business) has been extremely busy since December, and usually February is our worst month for demand, but we’ve been busy,” he said. “OPEC has cut back to 400,000 barrels per month, but according to the industry we’re not hitting that; we’re closer to 200,000.”
The organization’s production is still less than before the pandemic. For prices to decrease, Cromie said OPEC would have to increase production or fulfill its commitment of 400,000 a month.
“I’m concerned about supply. Right now, supply is fine, but if people start panicking and filling their tank everyday, we could have a problem,” he said.
Another contributor to high prices could be the push for climate change, Cromie said.
“I understand electric is the future. We need to address climate change, but it needs to be a transition. You can’t inhibit businesses, then ask OPEC to pump more oil,” he said.
Cromie expects county residents to travel less if prices increase further. He had a few suggestions for consumers to save money and help supply.
“It hurts our customers and it hurts us too. Consumers are the face of it; they use the most product,” he said. “Start combining trips, carpooling. It’s going to be a matter of conservation. Keep your foot off the gas pedal.”
The panic expressed by raising prices shows how important fuel products are, Cromie said.
“I want to thank our customers in advance. We’ll do what we can to keep prices down,” he said.
Donna Gould, of Herman, said she switched to a fuel-efficient vehicle not too long ago, but it still costs her $40 to fill her tank once a week.
“It’s horrible. My family lives in Ohio; I’m thinking about moving there,” she said. “I’m trying to cut down on driving now.”
Student Hannah Stutz said she drives less than the average person because of her classes, but it still costs her $30 a week to fill her tank.
“I think I’ll drive even less,” she said in response to rising prices.
Sophomore Slippery Rock student Tyler Yaskula said the rise in prices is a huge expense for college students.
"I know there's not much we can do about it, but it's especially hard for us college students who don't have a job," he said.
Richard Jamison drives a work vehicle most of the time, and he said the rising prices will affect him on two fronts.
“I know I’ve felt (the rise) already. In my work vehicle, $45 would fill it up. Now it takes almost three times that,” he said. “I’m going to try to save money anywhere else.”
"I'm getting gas now before it goes up," said Claudia Fry of Saxonburg. "We will rethink just jumping in the car and going somewhere," she added about future vacations.
Rodney Peratt also typically drives a work vehicle. He said he expects to feel the effects in his personal vehicle as well, as he already pays $65 to fill it.
“It’ll make a difference,” he said. “I’m more concerned about where the conflict between Russia and Ukraine goes.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
