Bloomington residents pay the price at the pump

Bloomington drivers are paying the most at the pump in the state of Indiana. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel May 8 was $4.21 — higher than anywhere else in the state — according to data compiled daily by AAA.

Only one month ago the average price for regular unleaded fuel was about $3.70, and one year ago it was approximately $2.90.

Indiana currently ranks eighth in the nation for the highest gas prices with average  statewide prices for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel standing at $4.15. Bloomington would place sixth place if it were included on the national list by itself.

These prices could fall for a number of reasons, including a decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ to lower their prices or the United States government’s decision to release some of its 727-million-barrel Strategic Oil Reserve. For now, the impact of the prices on citizens’ everyday lives is negatively affecting their pocketbooks.

Sophomore Lilly Walker, who works as a waitress, said filling up her gas tank is like wiping out an entire day’s worth of tips. As a result, she said she has been doing a lot more walking and biking and not leaving town to see her family as much.

Junior Becca Jones said she does as little driving as possible and tries to limit her driving exclusively to seeing her family out of town.
 
— Zach Ammerman