Gas Prices Still Rising, 20th Consecutive Day!

Gas prices have risen for the the 20th consecutive day in a row now. The national average is now $3.70 a gallon. From the AAA fuel gauge report, the highest gas price we have had on record for regular gas is $4.11 and diesel gas at $4.84 a gallon in 2008.

Gas prices in states such as California and Hawaii have already leaped over into $4 a gallon. Big city New York is at $3.95 a gallon. Connecticut is at $3.94. Other northern states like Maine and Rhode Island are in the high $3 and approaching the $4 mark. With a US economy finally observing modest economic recovery, the steady increase may put consumer spending to a halt.

One core reason the US is experiencing high gas prices are the affairs between Israel and Iran. The Iranian and Israeli possibility of war continues to mount. The Associated Press has reported Israeli officials will not even warn the US if they decide to attack Iranian nuclear sites. As the tension of a potential strike by Israel rises, so does the direct affect on crude oil pricing. Crude oil makes up 70% of gas costs.

Also, the US demand for oil has decreased over the last decade and, in contrast, increased in other nations. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2008, Asia became the world's largest petroleum consumer. This has caused oil supply to be exported elsewhere, ultimately resulting in higher prices for the US as well.

With gas prices where they are, many businesses are looking for what they can do to keep their revenue rising in the face of climbing gas prices. Transportation costs are a huge aspect of business and should be analyzed for other ways to keep them under control. Businesses, from corporations to home businesses, will find a courier service is an alternative to handle high gas prices, especially when it comes to your own fleet. Nationwide Couriers like A-1 Express can help various scheduled deliveries within your service areas quickly, at low costs. As we continue to move through the year, gas prices may change, but your business success doesn't have to.

References: 2.27.12, US News, Meg Handley, Why Americans Are Paying At The Pump; 2.27.12, Associated Press, Kimberly Dozier, Israel won't warn US before Iran strike