GAS PRICES NOT A TREND - Consumer Prices Rising, WalMart's Sales Declining

(08/17/2005)
West Virginians can't avoid increasing prices for gasoline as it increased another 15-18 cents. Monday.

The price for a regular gallon of unleaded is now averaging $2.67 in some parts of the state, but others are reporting higher costs.

Truck drivers and trucking companies say the increased prices are hitting them hard.

The Consumer Price Index is up and WalMart reports sagging sales, they say related to fewer bucks in peoples pockets for retail items.

With no sign of dropping prices, independent driver Trinity Rice says the smaller industry truckers have no chance.

Driver David Lake says fuel prices are increasing with the cost of living all over the country.

Several nationwide polls are saying that about 70% of all Americans are saying the costs are seriously impacting their budgets.

The cost of consumer prices are steadily increasing, and are expected to escalate this fall.

Crude oil is expected to go to $70 a barrel, with many experts predicting that gas prices will cap at about $3 a gallon.

Nearly all say this is not a trend.