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Hernando Today

Gas Dips Below $2 At Some Stations

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: November 13, 2008

SPRING HILL - You can find gas for less than $2 a gallon.

Less than four months after the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded gas was $4.07 in Florida, motorists along Spring Hill Drive can pull over and take advantage of a 50 percent price reduction.

At least four stations in Spring Hill were selling it for $1.98 or $1.99, which was more than a dollar less than the average price a month ago, according to AAA Auto Club South.

"We do expect gas prices to continue to decline throughout the end of the year," said AAA spokeswoman Jessica Brady. "How low? We don't know."

The rate of reduction has broken records. There is still more than six weeks of declining prices on the horizon for motorists.

Those who were pumping gas Wednesday morning at the Mobil station at the corner of Spring Hill Drive and Barclay Avenue were not rejoicing over the drops in fuel costs. It seemed the summer of $4 gas was still fresh on their minds.

Instead of being happy about the price reductions, some were suspicious.

"It's a relief, that's for sure, but I question if it was planned," said Gail Whiting, of Spring Hill, who was filling her sport utility vehicle. "Were they getting the prices up to see how far they could push the American (consumer)? I find the whole thing surprising."

Regular gas at the Spring Hill station was listed at $1.99 per gallon for those with a Mobil credit card.

One motorist called the recent trend a "nice, early Christmas present" and thinks prices should remain low until after the recession recovers.

"It's always good when it gets down, especially for those who have to work each day," said George Monroe, of Spring Hill, who was filling his Dodge minivan at the same Mobil station. "It'll go back up to $3 a gallon when everyone starts moving again, including the little guy."

The cheapest gas in the county, as of Wednesday afternoon, was at Sam's Club at 13360 Cortez Blvd. A gallon of regular gas there was $1.98.

Prices were at $1.99 at the Wal-Mart off U.S. 41 in Brooksville, the Shell station at the corner of Barclay Avenue and Elgin Boulevard and the 7-Eleven at Barclay and Spring Hill Drive.

Since mid-July, there has been a 60 percent decrease in the price of crude oil. Last week, crude traded for less than $60 per barrel for the first time in 19 months, according to AAA.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the average cost of a gallon of regular gas in Florida was $2.20, nearly two cents lower than Tuesday and nine cents lower than Sunday.

"It's wild isn't it?" said Jeff Buck, of Spring Hill, who was putting air in his tires at Mobil. "It's been a lot easier. I thought it was going to stop at $2.50 and I thought that was reasonable enough."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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