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Gasoline Pains? Try Theory Of Relativity: A1 Sauce Is $45 A Gallon

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By RUSSELL RAY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2008

TAMPA - As most U.S. motorists pay nearly $4 for a gallon of gasoline, pump prices are significantly higher in London, where drivers are paying more than $9 a gallon.

In fact, gasoline sold in the United States still is cheaper than most liquid products, including the energy drinks sold at Publix and the coffees offered by Starbucks.

Imagine paying $45 for a gallon of gas. That's what a gallon of A-1 Steak Sauce costs.

A large mocha frappuccino from Starbucks costs $4.50. At that price, Starbucks customers spend more than $28 for every gallon they drink.

"When you compare it with other liquid commodities, gas still is a bargain," said David Mica, executive director of the Florida Petroleum Council. "That's still no comfort to somebody who's got to make a daily commute."

Mica was quick to point out that consumers don't go through a gallon of designer coffee, steak sauce or milk nearly as fast as a gallon of gasoline.

The average American motorist consumes about 500 gallons of gas a year, or nearly 10 gallons each week, according to the Department of Energy.

Gasoline may be cheaper than Scope mouthwash, but consumers aren't buying 10 gallons of mouthwash every week.

The reality is that consumers spend significantly more money on gas and are struggling to make ends meet as fuel prices soar, Mica said.

The price of regular-grade gas is averaging $3.89 a gallon in the Tampa Bay area, 27.5 percent higher than this time last year, according to AAA.

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870 or rray@tampatrib.com.

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