Now Feb. 7th,folks said we would be back to normal by now as to product and price.$2.39.9 gal. doesnt bode well for trucking and transportation of the goods we all use.No one will be exempt as these goods are all connected in their final price.I would expect tremendous price increases on most products over the next several months which will contribute to economic unrest.Economic increases cant be handled by the poor and many of the elderly.Got preps?You will be needing them!!!!!!

-- J (jax@borg.com), February 07, 2000

Answers

OPIS Alert - 2000-02-07 14:41:05 EST

***NORTHEASTERN DIESEL HITS NEW RECORD HIGH

The average pump price for diesel fuel in nine northeastern states surged to over $2.00 gal this weekend, and stiff wholesale decreases have pushed some roadside numbers over $2.50 gal, according to the OPIS Energy Group.

Nationwide price averages are right around $1.50 gal, but New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and New England have all witnessed widespread increases to over $2.00 gal, OPIS reports. The hikes come on the heels of a surge in spot and wholesale prices to as much as $1.75 gal recently.

Connecticut has the distinction of featuring the highest average price for diesel, with retail averaging $2.29 gal on Monday, February 7. A number of retailers in that state have raised prices above $2.40 gal.

Some retailers in Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts are posting prices above $2.50 gal, with average prices in those states at $1.93 gal; $2.09 gal; and $2.09 gal respectively.

The increases have created some unique problems. A few truckstop operators have had to paint new street prices on expensive signs since they don't have a suitable "2" sign to reflect prices above $2.00 gal.

OPIS tracks street prices for over 50,000 diesel locations across the country on a daily basis.

- Tom Kloza, tkloza@opisnet.com

-- Brooks (brooksbie@hotmail.com), February 07, 2000.

We've had a distinct lack of polly voices attributing this problem to a drunk hitting a pole. In fact, they seem to have evaporated.

Where have the pollies gone?

Aside from that, I'm glad I don't live in the Northeast OR Australia OR next to an exploding natural gas pipeline OR next to an exploding water line OR (you get the idea).

When are we going to get a satisfactory explanation from the media on the northeast petroleum product crisis? This is pathetic.

-- Guy Daley (guydaley@bwn.net), February 07, 2000.

Simple. You WON'T get an explanation via the media. JQP really doesn't care until his pocketbook gets slammed. The price rise of diesel doesn't affect the majority of the public directly sooooooo..... They will note it soon at the grocery and at the pumps but by then it will be too late to complain to 'their' legislators. It takes about 45 days for a major price hike to show on the shelves whether the hike is from cost of delivery increases or variations on the dollar/rupee theme. JQP is in for one hell of a surprise about the end of this month. Just wait until a head of lettuce costs 4.00 and eggs are 3.50 a dozen. Then all the talking heads will concentrate on the 'rising cost of living'. It will be interesting as to what they blame it on this time.

-- Lobo (atthelair@yahoo.com), February 07, 2000.

I am sooooo glad that I have extra fuel and supplies stashed. I won't be as badly affected by higher prices for awhile.

Also am glad that the garden is being greatly expanded this year. Lettuce and carrots from CA? Hah.

-- Bill (billclo@blazenet.net), February 08, 2000.