In Mar. 27-Apr. 2 issue
By Derek Aaron
Times Journal Reporter



ABOVE: Danny Robertson pumps gas into his car at Jacko’s Express Mart #3 in Russell Springs. He said he has no choice to pay the high price for gas, since he can’t stop driving.

RUSSELL SPRINGS - Gasoline prices in the country have risen to an all-time high average of $3.26 a gallon, according to a recent national survey, and Russell Countians are feeling the pinch off their paycheck as much as anyone.

Gas prices were around $3.15 a gallon early this week in Russell County, 11 cents below the national average.

Russell Springs native Eric Minton drives daily from his home in Russell Springs to his job at playground equipment manufacturer PlayMart Inc. in Somerset and then back home each day.

Minton was driving so much that he has been staying at a relative's house in Pulaski County through the week rather than drive back and forth. Doing so saves him a nearly 80-mile round-trip each day as well as several dollars worth of gas in a week's time.

He said many people that have to drive have no other choice other than pay the high prices for gas and cut down expenses elsewhere in their lives.

The demand for gasoline is still expected to rise as people take to their vehicles for spring getaways and summer vacations.

As the spring conditions continue to improve and the temperature rises, it is expected that gas may get even higher, according to published reports. Some experts believe the though of $4 a gallon is a very real possibility in the near future, possibly in the summer months.

Danny Robertson, Russell Springs, fueled his Chrysler up on Tuesday at Jacko's Express Mart #3 where regular unleaded was $3.14 a gallon.
"I don't know, I guess I'll just have to do less driving," he said. "Either that or get a horse and buggy," he said, jokingly.

"It's awful having to pay it but you've got to get from one place to another," he said.

Holly Russell, a clerk at Jacko's #3, said that she hadn't had too many complaints about the rising prices, which have been as high as $3.29 in the county.

"You know you have to have it so you might as well not complain," she said.

Todd Beatty, Russell Springs, bought gasoline at Jax's Cool Convenience on Tuesday afternoon for his 1998 Ford F-150.

"It's bad to see (the prices) go up like this but there's not anything we can do about it," he said. "We just have to pay it if we want to get around."

He said he dreaded the summer months and how he is preparing for prices if they reach the unthinkable levels that are projected.

"I will just have to cut back on other things," he said. "Groceries and some of my luxuries will sure take a hit."