Katrina Bumps Gas Cost

I was able to get gas for about $2.55 a gallon about a week ago, but as of today gas at the "cheap" Hess station is up to $2.99 a gallon for regular as a result of Katrina. I even had a hard time posting the price on BostonGasPrices because the server was too busy.

There's some interesting food for thought I found via the Freakonomics blog: that $3.20 a gallon only represents a cost of 20c a cup and we pay relatively little for energy compared to other consumables. I guess I like that perspective.

I don't enjoy paying more to run my car, but maybe motivating Americans via the pocketbook will finally bring about some serious advances in renewable energy and major reductions in consumption. Ah, a girl can dream.

Update: We're up in VT visiting family and friends this weekend. Prices seem to be about 15c+ more per gallon (as of Thursday). While driving through Waterbury VT yesterday we were able to fill our tank at the lone (cheap!) $3.09 station around mid-day. On our way back after 9pm, that station had raised it's prices to $3.29 (like it's nearby competitors). Twenty cents in half a day. I shake my head in amazement.