Over the past several weeks, refineries have been operating at 95 percent of capacity to get ready for the summer driving season. Now, according to the American Petroleum Institute, gasoline inventories as of June 1 are higher than they were last year at this time. However, this has not really shown up in the retail prices, which have dropped only a few pennies a gallon. But energy analysts doubt the retail price will fall as much as the wholesale price. For example, refineries in California are warning that they may cut production if they are not exempted from the rolling blackouts.
Some folks seem resigned to higher prices.
Higher prices have cut into promotions during what is the area's busiest season. Normally, the company sends dozens of recreational vehicles to shows throughout the state, but this year gas prices have forced them to be frugal. The hardest-hit of his customers are the weekend road warriors, who are less inclined to pack the family in the Winnebago and head for Glacier National Park. While consumers just have to grin and bear the higher prices, some truckers have started to pass on their higher diesel costs. That's the case with Charlie Hoekema, a long-haul trucker.