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High gas prices are not expected to deter Memorial Day vacationers |
AAA Oregon predicts travel will increase slightly
this year despite increasing gas prices |
By David Sale, Newberg Graphic
reporter
E-mail David at
dsale@eaglenewspapers.com
|
As Memorial Day approaches, the Oregon statewide average price for
gasoline has climbed to $3.41 per gallon, the third-highest price in
the nation after California and Washington.
“Average prices in the state’s four measured metro areas went up in
the past week, but not as rapidly as previous weeks,” said Elliot
Eki, public affairs director for AAA Oregon.
The AAA also collects fuel pricing data from the Oil Price
Information Service, which indicates that refinery issues in the
Midwest have caused the recent spike and Pacific Coast states will
likely see prices falling soon.
Despite
the optimistic prediction, Oregon Sens. Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden,
together with Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, worked to add a
provision against gas price gouging to a Senate bill on fuel
efficiency standards.
“Oregonians are sick and tired of being pummeled at the pump,”
Smith said in a press release. “Gas prices have jumped 50 cents just
this month. It is time to push automakers to improve fuel economy.
The real question is not how we will do it, but when will we do it.”
Under the legislation, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) could
conduct investigations and fine companies for price gouging. The
specific definition of price gouging would be determined by the FTC.
Despite high prices car travel is expected to increase slightly
during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
AAA estimates that 38.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or
more from home during the holiday, an 1.7 percent increase from last
year based on a survey of 2,000 drivers nationwide.
“Americans won’t be deterred from traveling this Memorial Day,”
said Doreen Loofburrow, AAA Oregon’s travel services director.
“Families will travel closer to home (or) for fewer days, and they
will save money by staying in less expensive hotels and eating in
cheaper restaurants, but they will continue to take vacations.”
For those planning a getaway by car during the holiday season, the
Internet can prove a valuable resource in finding lower gas prices.
The Web site www.gasbuddy.com allows visitors to search for the best
prices by city, state and zip code in all 50 states and Canada. |
|
From
May 19, 2007, Newberg Graphic
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