October 10, 2008

As prices at the pump continue falling at most gas stations, Charlottesville drivers are still feeling the pain at the pump.

It costs about 35 cents more to pump gas in Charlottesville than in surrounding counties, and now many people are asking why.

"As a consumer, I would always prefer a cheaper price, but I recognize that there are a lot of complex factors to determining the cost of fuel," said Will Towns, a concerned consumer.

According to the director of Virginia Oil, the biggest reasons for Charlottesville's pricey gas are supply, demand, and competition.

"You can stand in one city in the spot and see five gas stations, and you can see how their prices go up and down a penny based on what is happening across the street," said Katie McCartney.

"It's definitely unfair, but then again the business here will feel it because once the word gets out that the gas is cheaper, people will flock to those gas stations," said Destinee Wright, a Louisa County resident.

Right now, the national average for a gallon of gas is twenty-one cents cheaper than Charlottesville's average. Some people are considering leaving the City of Charlottesville to fill up their tanks.

"Maybe it's worth driving to Orange to fill up."

"I haven't gone that way, but with the gas prices being cheaper it might be worth it to head on that way."

"I get gas out here just about all the time," said Chris Johnson, who fills up his tank in Albemarle County. "Their prices are usually the lowest, and its close enough. I'll come here."

Officials say another factor that goes into pricing is how much the company actually pays for the gas.

Just one year ago gas was only $2.74 in Charlottesville.