Gas prices going higher
Of the eight Butler Counties in the United States, the one locals call home has the highest gas prices by a significant margin.
Enter the county that produced the Jeep and “Night of the Living Dead”, where motorists dig much deeper for a gallon of fuel.
Jim Garrity, AAA regional spokesman, said on Wednesday that while the price of a barrel of oil is up $21 over last year, from $50 to the current $71, Pennsylvania's gas tax — the highest in the nation — is to blame for the larger numbers on gas station signs from Erie to Philadelphia.
Garrity said the state gas tax adds 58 cents to the cost of each gallon of gas, and the federal tax 18 cents.
While residents pay about $3.09 per gallon, the national average is $2.89.
One year ago, local gas stations asked just $2.64 per gallon.
“As we get into the summer driving season, prices could go up a little more and it's good to plan for that so you're not blind-sided,” Garrity said.
Read the full story and what seven other Butler Counties across the nation are charging in Thursday's Butler Eagle.
