Jeff Woelker : Chicago SEO, SEM, and Online Marketing Consultant

According to a recent EIA announcement:

“Retail regular grade motor gasoline prices are projected to average $2.81 per gallon this summer, 3 cents below the average of $2.84 per gallon last summer, according to forecasts released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) in the April Short-Term Energy Outlook. Retail diesel fuel prices are expected to average $2.82 per gallon over the summer, down 6 cents from last summer’s average price of $2.88 per gallon.”

Well, gas prices nationwide are already at $3.19 per gallon and the summer hasn’t even started yet, so by my calculations this estimate is in the ballpark of doesn’t make any sense at all. I mean, look at these numbers:

Image copyright of GasBuddy.com

As you can see, last summer, gas prices peaked in May and stayed steady for most of the summer and then rose again in August and September with the problems associated with Hurricane Katrina. And with some minor extrapolation on the data provided by GasBuddy, it looks like if there is a minor hint of a gas shortage, crisis, or some other weather related problem gas prices could easily shoot to $4 or beyond. Even if it doesn’t necessarily hit $4 per gallon, $3.97 is pretty darn close for my tastes.

So really, what is the point of this concern over numbers and reports? Essentially, I’m telling you to drop your current means of transportation and:

• Take public transit
• Buy a bike
• Walk to work
• Ride with a friend
• Buy a hybrid vehicle
• Drive less
• Drive smarter

Do what you can. You’re wallet will thank you and the environment will thank you.