I don't normally write about gas prices, but I'm getting just a tad nervous. Last night on my way home, the gas station closest to my neighborhood showed $3.43 a gallon for regular. That's why I regularly avoid it and go to Costco, even though I have to drive 20 miles to get there. (Not sure that makes sense or cents.)
AAA's Fuel Gauge Report showed average price per gallon of regular gas in the Baltimore region at $3.215 today. Yesterday it was $3.153. Last week it was $3.082. A year ago, sigh, it was $2.649.
But now gas prices are nickel and diming their way into my travel plans. Earlier this week, The Associated Press reported that Southwest Airlines was raising round-trip ticket prices about $10 to cover the rising cost of fuel. United Airlines this week added a $20 fuel surcharge. Other airlines quickly followed. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly noted that jet fuel prices are up about 50% in the past year.
Now comes all of the turmoil in the Middle East, pushing crude oil to above $100. (It dropped slightly today since it was reported that Saudi Arabia is willing to up its production to fill any gaps.) I've got a cruise booked for spring and many cruise lines say they reserved the right to charge a supplement when fuel prices hit around $75 a barrel. We're way over that now - and have been for some time, yet cruise lines seem reluctant to use that tool. Yet.
Are you worried about your spring break travel plans slipping into unaffordable territory?
