Sean Comey Higher Quotations

We often see price increases in January. What's particularly troubling for consumers is that the average price for the first month of 2006 is starting at a much higher level than it did a year ago.

We are entering the time of year when historically gas prices have tended to rise because consumption increases. We are starting out this season at a level that is much higher than last year, and last year was certainly no bargain at the gas pump.

Drivers are now paying an average price that is 27 cents higher than a year ago. And last year was no picnic.

Consumers are numb to these high prices. Some of this is what the market will bear. Part of the problem with higher prices is we set a new benchmark in our mind and $3 is the new record.

This is just the beginning. People tend to drive more as the weather warms up, and the resulting increase in consumption triggers higher fuel costs.