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Fill 'Er Up: Gas Below $2 A Gallon

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By TONY HOLT

wholt@hernandotoday.com

Published: November 14, 2008

SPRING HILL - You can find gas for less than $2 a gallon.

Less than four months after the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded gas was more than $4 in Florida, motorists just north of the Pasco County line are buying gas for half that price.

At least four Spring Hill stations were selling gas this week for $1.98 or $1.99 - more than a dollar less than the average price a month ago, according to AAA Auto Club South.

"We do expect gas prices to continue to decline throughout the end of the year," said AAA spokeswoman Jessica Brady. "How low? We don't know."

The dramatic drop in gas prices has broken records. And motorists can expect more than six weeks of declining prices, experts say.

People pumping gas Wednesday morning at the Mobile station at Spring Hill Drive and Barclay Avenue were not exactly rejoicing about the drop in fuel costs, though. Summertime prices of $4 a gallon seemed to still be fresh in their minds.

Instead of being happy about the price reductions, some seemed suspicious.

"It's a relief, that's for sure, but I question if it was planned," said Gail Whiting of Spring Hill, who was filling her sport utility vehicle. "Were they getting the prices up to see how far they could push the American consumer? I find the whole thing surprising."

Regular gas at the Spring Hill station was listed at $1.99 per gallon for those with a Mobile credit card.

One motorist called the recent trend a "nice, early Christmas present" and said prices should remain low until after the recession is over.

"It's always good when it gets down, especially for those who have to work each day," said George Monroe of Spring Hill, who was filling his Dodge minivan. "It'll go back up to $3 a gallon when everyone starts moving again, including the little guy."

The cheapest gas in the county, as of Wednesday afternoon, was at Sam's Club at 13360 Cortez Blvd. A gallon of regular gas there was $1.98.

Since mid-July, there has been a 60 percent decrease in the price of crude oil. Last week, crude traded for less than $60 per barrel for the first time in 19 months, according to AAA.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the average cost of a gallon of regular gas in Florida was $2.20, nearly two cents lower than Tuesday and nine cents lower than Sunday.

"It's wild, isn't it?" said Jeff Buck of Spring Hill, who was putting air in his tires at the Mobile station. "It's been a lot easier. I thought it was going to stop at $2.50, and I thought that was reasonable enough."

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