Knudsen said gas sta-tions didn't have an advance notice or warning of the increase other than the crude oil price had gone up. When crude oil prices increase, re-finery costs increase and eventually all increases are passed to the consumer at the gas pumps or in fuel oil bills. According to Ron Thooft of Tyler Oil Company, the price started at eighty-something cents per gallon last fall. Last year it was as low as sixty-some cents per gallon. Truck drivers are also feeling the pinch as diesel fuel prices rise.
Farmers are also concerned about the increase in fuel costs for spring work.
About four or five years ago the same problem happened when fuel prices went up right before spring. This year's increase seems to be tied to the below normal temperatures on the east coast and the reduced crude oil production. While they have no control over the higher prices, local residents are taking a wait and see attitude as they fill their tanks.