Breaking News:

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Gas prices are high… but still lower than the 1970s

Aug 3, 2023, 5:00 AM

people pump gas at salt lake city gas station...

People pump gas at a Chevron station in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 9, 2022. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Filling gas tanks is hurting bank accounts once again, but it’s not the first time a jump in prices has happened in the nation.

Wednesday’s national average gas price is $3.803.

“It’s dumb,” said Utah resident Brecken, summing up the feelings of many when driving by signs with prices over $4.

This increasing price is hitting Utah residents especially hard with a state-wide average of $4.05.

Gas prices taking a toll

Resident Heather Chatwin says these high prices are the opposite of being consumer-friendly.

“I’ve got two cars at the gas pumps right now,” she said. “One of them is diesel and one of them is regular, and it just is killing me.”

While high prices give drivers a tough bill to swallow, U.S. citizens in 1978 were having to face a similar price.

During the Carter administration in 1978, the national average gas price was $0.65.

Under a dollar for a gallon of gas seems much better than what Americans have been paying over the last two years. However, when adjusted for 2023 inflation, the 1978 price jumps to $3.98.

That’s 18 cents higher than today’s national average price.

“I think they use it too much. It’s been used as a political ball, it just gets ridiculous,” resident Clark Jenkins said.

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Business & Economy

Multiple groups are saying the federal employee layoffs are likely to have impacts on Utah, especia...

Heather Peterson

Federal employee layoffs likely to impact Utah’s national parks

Multiple groups are saying the federal employee layoffs are likely to have impacts on Utah, especially in the state's national parks.

17 hours ago

Are you thinking of selling your home in the spring or summer? It's important to prepare it before ...

Michelle Lee

Selling your home? Here’s what you can do to prepare

Are you thinking of selling your home in the spring or summer? Here are some tips on how you can best prepare it for the market.

2 days ago

US inflation worsened...

CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer

US inflation worsened with rising groceries and gasoline prices

The pace of U.S. inflation worsened last month, with rising costs of groceries, gasoline, and rent.

3 days ago

FILE- A large soft drink with a plastic straw from a McDonald's restaurant is shown in Surfside, Fl...

Associated Press

Trump pushes for plastic straws, declares paper ones ‘don’t work’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is moving to reverse a federal push away from plastic straws, declaring that paper straws “don’t work.” Trump signed an executive order Monday, saying: “It’s a ridiculous situation. We’re going back to plastic straws” The move by Trump — who has long railed against paper straws, and whose 2019 […]

5 days ago

Freshly-made pennies sit in a bin at the U.S. Mint in Denver on Aug. 15, 2007....

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producion.

5 days ago

A long-shot Democratic proposal to raise taxes on those earning $1 million or more was rejected by ...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Privilege tax may be added to the Point of the Mountain

A proposed bill may bring a privilege tax to the Point of the Mountain development.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Gas prices are high… but still lower than the 1970s