Soaring gas prices stir local opinions

Mar. 11—LENOIR — As gas prices continue to climb, drivers in Lenoir could expect to pay up to $120 more per month, or $2,400 per year, over last year's gas prices.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price per gallon of gasoline in the Lower Atlantic States in the first week of January 2021 was $2.19/gallon. The average price in the first week of March 2022 was $4.06/gallon. That is an increase of $1.87/gallon, partially attributable to a 6.64% increase of state gas tax.

Already besieged with inflation and spiking gas prices, the price per gallon will only continue to rise with Russia's war in Ukraine, analysts say.

Folks driving down Lenoir's Blowing Rock Boulevard. or along Wilkesboro Boulevard can expect to pay between $4.17 to $4.19 per gallon of gas.

High gas prices, however, reach deeper into the pockets of Americans than just the routine stop for a fill-up; a soaring cost of gas drives up the prices of most goods and services due to the expense of transportation.

The News-Topic visited several gas stations in Lenoir and asked local folks how they felt about the rise in gas prices and what could be done to help lower gas prices.

Alan Bryant who runs a construction business said that every piece of equipment he has burns fuel and it has doubled his cost of operation.

"We need to start producing our own oil — quit relying on other countries for it. We did it before, and we can do it again." said Bryant.

Likewise, David Lee, who uses gas and diesel to run Big Gunz Pressure Washing on the weekends said the spike impacts the cost of doing business.

"If they would open back up the pipelines that they originally had when we were doing our own gas, that would help out a lot, and give us some relief," said Lee as he topped his tank at $100.

Scott Crawford who runs a fleet leasing service out of Charlotte said sometimes business ends up having to eat the cost of the rising price of gas.

As the gas pumped ticked up to over $51 for half of a tank of gas in the company vehicle, Garry McConnell, a driver for a local commuting business said the company has had to pass the additional cost of gas to its customers.

The EIA's short term energy outlook is forecasting crude oil prices to continue to rise, with a spike between the second and third quarter of 2022, as a result of restrictions on Russia's crude oil exports because of its invasion of Ukraine.

Due in part to the restrictions on Russia, the American people have been called upon to support Ukraine's fight against Russia by paying higher gas prices. The idea of supporting Ukraine by absorbing the cost of the war by paying higher gas prices is a controversial topic, especially because people still feel the sting of the yearlong increase with gas prices due to domestic energy policies.

For some, the cost of high gas prices is a sacrifice they are willing to make to support Ukraine's efforts.

Below are some random comments:

"I'd rather pay high gas prices than pay to fund a dictator's war against the innocent people of Ukraine," said J.V. Carson in a Facebook post. "High gas prices is minor compared to the atrocities innocent people are forced to endure."

"I'm a German citizen. I have a green card...I am really concerned about what's going on in Europe. I have family in Germany — and just to put it in perspective, Ukraine is maybe as far from my Mom as Texas is from here," said Adrea Eller after pumping gas into her car. "So, I don't like high gas prices, but considering the reason for it, I am OK. I am willing to pay more, if it puts a check on Putin."

"Because I'm retired and don't have to commute, and because I lived in L.A. where we routinely paid $4+, an increase to put pressure on Putin doesn't bother me at all," said Chris Smith.

"Instead of complaining about gas prices going up, try feeling grateful that you aren't sitting on a concrete floor in a train terminal, holding your cat, wondering if your homes and everyone you love has been blown to bits," said Sherry Walker

For others, who sympathized with Ukraine's fight to hold off Putin, the economic challenges that many people face on a day-to-day basis due the high rate of inflation is an immediate concern they feel needs to be addressed, before extending foreign economic support by being asked to pay more at the pump, especially when they feel that alternative oil options are available in America.

"While I feel for the plight of the people of Ukraine, I also feel for the plight of those teetering on the edge of existence from two years of covid lockdown." said Sharone Renee in a Facebook response to Sherry Walker.

"I think it is a lovely thought," said Brennan Triplett about the idea of paying higher gas prices to support Ukraine. "But inflation is so high across the board for food and tires — and everything that for a lot of families with kids it's really draining them."

Yet, as America sanctions Russia for its aggressive actions against Ukraine, it may be considering loosening sanctions on Venezuela. According to reports, United States government officials flew to Venezuela over the weekend (March 5) to meet with President Nicolás Maduro's government. This comes on the heels of the Feb. 15, 2022, "High Level Coordination Meeting on Venezuela" in which the United States and 19 other countries met to discuss restoring democracy to Venezuela and to address its human rights violations as well as the dire human condition of its people as a result of lack of food and health care.

Some say the true energy crisis lies within America's domestic energy policies, preferring the U.S. become more energy independent by drilling for oil domestically, or by opening the Keystone Pipeline. Some respondents, however, argued oil from the Keystone Pipeline would not have helped the U.S. market.

"The US could produce all the oil we need if allowed, without having to buy oil from countries who hate the US. Democrats are good at creating unnecessary crises so they can make policies that give them more power, create bigger government a keep people in poverty." said Jill Dremann.

"I think we need to go back to President Trump's plan and use our own. Then when these other countries lower their price we can buy cheap and stock up. I don't know why President Biden couldn't just leave well enough alone." said Cynthia Presnell Cline.

"I agree, I think the pipeline should be opened up," said J.Y. Carson in a Facebook response to Kelly Barlow Hawkins. "Why are we even importing oil at all when we would have plenty if they could drill it."

Some folks tend to favor lowering the consumption of oil and transitioning to alternative energy sources to help the environment.

Ashley Roberts said the pipeline could cause devastation to the environment.

Whatever one's political affiliation is, anyone's who mode of transportation involves an internal combustion engine, is are paying more to travel.

To view the full conversation and full in-text quotes, visit the News-Topic Facebook page.