Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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Samantha Hayes Reporting You can travel far and wide and not find gas prices as high as today's price of gasoline in Salt Lake City.
"The last couple of months I was in New York, Phoenix, and San Diego."
All places where you would think gas prices would be higher-- a lot higher-- than Utah.
An investigation into gas prices ordered by the Governor has just been released. It says, among other things, that gas stations are to blame for keeping prices high even as wholesale prices drop. And it just so happens many Utahns are boycotting gas stations to make their point. Still many others are just complaining out loud.
This has been an irritating issue for Utahns for about a month now. As of today Salt Lake City is 30 cents higher than the national average. And the Department of Consumer Protection, which conducted that investigation ordered by the Governor, says gas stations are making 15 cents a gallon in profit.
Average is not something most people want to shoot for, unless you are talking about gas prices. Average across the country right now is $2.25, but not here.
Wayne Bushman/ South Jordan Resident: "I don't know who to point my finger at."
Today AAA reports a gallon of regular gas in Utah is $2.52. Last month it was $2.91. Last year it was $2.79.
Jeremy Jones/ Kaysville Resident: "I don't know why here in Utah it's more. It seems strange to me that nationally it's not this high."
And KSL viewers have not only noticed, one person has even documented the difference, snapping shots of gas prices in the Midwest at $1.93, $2.04, $2.01.
Paul/ Salt Lake City Resident: "I remember when I was a kid. Gas was 30 cents a gallon. They'd come out and they'd check the air in your tires, clean your windshield, check your oil. Now it's literally ten times as much, and you have to do it all yourself. Who's making money? We need more alternative energy sources."
Tony Yapias says high gas prices are hitting the Latino community especially hard.
Tony Yapias/ Latino spokesperson: "A lot of our people work for the bottom wages. It has a huge impact. [It takes] an extra hour or hours [of work] to fill up the tank, especially if they have to travel long distances. It has a profound effect on our community."
Many consumers want to make a point with their pocketbook. Radio host Doug Wright encouraged folks not to fill up today.
Doug Wright/ Newsradio 1160: "It's more just an opportunity to express our frustration. It's more of an opportunity for us-- like they have stood together to keep gasoline prices high-- maybe we can stand together just to let their cash registers get some cobwebs on the keys today."
Wayne Bushman: "I've got to fill up. I'm empty!"
"I drive less when I can, use a bike, walk..."
Hard to tell at this point if the local boycott is making a difference or if it's even noticeable at gas stations. The attendants at one Chevron say it's as busy as usual.
Okay, misery loves company, so here's who has it worse:
More expensive gas than Utah $2.55
Alaska $2.76
California $2.56
Idaho $2.55
Nevada $2.60
Oregon $2.58
Washington $2.60
Source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report
Only Alaska, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. All other states have cheaper gas than Utah.
There is much more in the report on gas prices. We'll break that down tonight on Eyewitness News at 10:00.
