Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Samantha Hayes Reporting Along with death and taxes there must be another certainty in our modern world. How about rising gasoline prices? We're paying about 26 cents more per gallon than last year.
AAA shows an upward trend in prices starting in January. The average price of regular gas in Utah is $2.08, compared to a year ago at $1.82. When gas is over two dollars a gallon, you start thinking about what you drive.
Brandon Carlile: “Not so much in the company vehicle, but my personal vehicle for sure.”
That's because Brandon Carlile's personal vehicle is a Chevrolet Suburban.
Brandon Carlile: “Costs about $90 to fill it up.”
It’s starting to cut into profits for Kenneth Denison; he uses his own vehicle to deliver pizza.
Kenneth Denison, Pizza Delivery: “Yeah I notice it, and who can’t?”
Gasoline prices are a budget buster for small businesses and agencies operating many vehicles. The South Salt Lake Police Department has cut back slightly on equipment and training and is limiting personal use of the patrol cars.
John Ferguson, South Salt Lake Police Officer: “Because of the price of gas we had to not use our cars off duty at all unless it was for court, employment and that’s the only things we can use our cars for.”
Despite higher gas prices AAA says operating a vehicle this year should not be any more expensive than last year. The auto club found an overall reduction in the cost of insurance, licensing, registration, taxes, tires, and maintenance, and calculates that will offset the price of gas- So total cost of operation is 56.1 cents per mile this year, compared to 56.2 cents per mile last year.
But it’s still that price at the pump that gets our attention.
John VanWagoner: “You hate to pay it, but what are your options? You aren’t going to sit home.”
