VALDOSTA —
Georgia gas prices have nearly risen past the national average this week, and Peach State motorists may have to pay even more at the pump in the next few days with both Hurricane Isaac and the Labor Day weekend looming ahead.
Approximately 64 percent of the Gulf’s 76 oil rigs have been evacuated and 93.28 percent of the daily oil production in the Gulf of Mexico has been “shut-in” the pipelines, according to the BSEE (Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement).
“Based on data from offshore operator reports, submitted as of 11:30 a.m. CDT today [8/28/12], personnel have been evacuated from a total of 503 production platforms, equivalent to 84.4 percent of the 596 manned platforms in the Gulf of Mexico,” stated the BSEE in a press release.
The national average for gas Tuesday was $3.774 per gallon, according to a report from GasBuddy.com. But Georgians paid an average of $3.795 per gallon at the pumps.
“I bet prices will go up even more before the week is out,” said L.C. Rowe as he gassed up his truck. “They’re greedy and they’re taking full advantage of the situation.”
Investments in oil futures have been steadily climbing over the past few weeks, according to the US Energy Information Administration, indicating that the current spike in fuel prices is part of a long-term upswing in prices.
At $96.15 a barrel, the New York Stock Exchange reports that crude oil prices are the highest they’ve been since May 4. The price has been steadily rising since June.
Oil exporting countries began shipping out a surplus of crude oil in May in order to make fuel affordable and avoid pushing onsumers to alternative energy solutions, according to a May 4 report from the Wall Street Journal.
“It’s just ridiculous, especially considering how bad the economy is right now,” said Jacqueline Guthrie. “Gas was $3.55 when I got off of work yesterday, but now it’s $3.75. I need a scooter.”
Before oil exports started driving down the price of crude oil in May, the White House was already looking at tapping into the country’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to provide American with a break in gas prices. On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said the option was still under consideration as he spoke with reporters aboard Air Force One.
“Well, as we have said for some time now, and I myself have said, all options are on the table, including that one,” said Carney. "But we certainly have no announcements to make today.”
While increases in fuel prices are national pains, Carney also spoke about the government’s measures to protect citizens in Isaac’s projected path.
“Teams were in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands last week to prepare for impacts there,” said Carney. “Over the weekend, teams were deployed to Louisiana to support the Governor and his emergency management officials as they prepare for this storm. Similar activities have been underway in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi as well.”
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