By ELLEN KOLMAN - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon
—
Labor Day weekend starts today and with it higher gas prices seem to be popping up around Ashtabula County.
According to ClevelandGasPrices.com , many area gas stations already have raised their unleaded gasoline prices to $2.75 a gallon as of Thursday evening, and many others are expected to follow suit.
In Ashtabula County, an employee of Speedway, 2309 N. Ridge E., Ashtabula Township, said between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Thursday, the price of unleaded gas rose 20 cents to $2.75 a gallon, while the retail outlet’s neighbor Sheetz was holding at $2.55 per gallon.
“Historically, around a holiday, 50 percent of gas stations will raise their prices,” said Brian Newbacher, director of public affairs for AAA (American Automotive Association). “AAA predicted prices would stay between $2.65 and $2.75 as a national average over the holiday weekend. The average in Ohio is $2.59, so that is significantly less than the national average,” he said.
Tim Glotzbecker, who co-owns Glotzbecker’s BP, 1911 S. Ridge E., in Ashtabula Township, said his price at the moment is $2.59.
“We receive new gas prices every day. I don’t know why they change,” he said. “We are independent. Our prices are dictated by our gas supplier. We do not have a choice in what we charge for gas, and I don’t get a new price until 6 p.m.”
Other area unleaded-gas prices included the Duke & Duchess BP, 1415 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, at $2.75; Gas Mart, 3312 N. Ridge E., Ashtabula Township, $2.65; Geneva Kwik Fill, 1640 Route 534, at $2.55; Giant Eagle’s Get-Go in the Saybrook Plaza was $2.55; and Circle K, 5569 Route 193, Kingsville, was $2.75.
“The best advice is always to shop around for the best price,” Newbacher said.
