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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman and Attorney General Jon Bruning today urged Nebraskans to remain calm in response to increasing prices for fuel across the state. Prices are reflective of the international demand for oil, which is at an all-time high, and the disruption of oil production from disaster conditions created by Hurricane Katrina. The Gulf Coast is a main supplier of oil and gasoline to the Midwest.
“Every Nebraska family and business is feeling the effects of increased energy costs, and I want Nebraskans to know that we are watching closely for evidence of price gouging,” Gov. Heineman said. “Panic buying will only accelerate price increases when supplies are limited. The best thing Nebraskans can do right now is to remain calm, conserve as much fuel as possible and remain vigilant in reporting price gouging.
“States across the nation are facing the same price challenges in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which is one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. Every indication is that this is a temporary situation, and my hope is that Nebraskans will use common sense to help ease the strain on fuel supplies in the days to come.”
Attorney General Bruning said, “In the past, we have found that retailers in Nebraska are operating above-board. They are only making pennies on the dollar for every gallon of gasoline that is sold. That being said, we are committed to protecting Nebraska consumers and will keep an eye out to make sure everyone is engaged in fair play.”
Nebraskans can find out more about how gas prices are calculated on the Attorney General’s Web site, available at http://www.ago.state.ne.us. Anyone with concerns about gasoline stations manipulating prices can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 402-471-2682 or 800-727-6432.
The Nebraska Energy Office will continue to monitor prices and supplies of fuel products and has information online at http://www.neo.state.ne.us/supply_status/gaspricemonitor.htm. Consumers can also monitor state and national fuel price averages online at http://www.fuelgaugereport.com.
Statewide averages for fuel costs are in line with national averages. As of Tuesday the cost for a gallon of unleaded fuel prior to taxes and shipping costs was $3.25, according to the latest information available from AAA Nebraska. More information is available on the U.S. Department of Energy Web site at http://www.energy.gov/engine/content.do.
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