By Kacey Sides, Buyer Specialist 

Even before hurricanes Gustav and Ike, gas station owners in the Chattanooga area warned us of the increase in prices to come - and they weren't kidding!  As of this past Saturday, we are finally seeing some decreasing prices at the pump.

Since the beginning of September, gas prices have soared to as much as $4.15 a gallon for regular unleaded gas.   Not only did the prices increase, but at most stations you either had to wait in line, or search for a station that had some gas to sell!  Although it has been frustrating, Chattanooga was not as hard hit as some of our neighbors in Georgia and North Carolina, who were also affected by the gas shortage.

With the end of the shortage in sight and with oil prices hovering around $85 a barrel, we're hoping for prices to continue to drop.  Currently, the lowest I noticed in our area is $3.06 a gallon for regular (which I never thought I'd be excited to see!).  Other areas of the country are seeing prices well below $3 a gallon!

With as much driving as I do working with my buyers, I can see that all areas in Chattanooga are not as quick to give the lower prices to their consumers and, with consumers driving less, not everyone is aware that lower prices are literally just around the corner .  I found a great web site to check the gas prices in the area to make sure I get the best available price.

http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx 

With this site you enter your zip code and it will give you the current gas prices in your area from the lowest to highest.  I was amazed when I checked this morning that there is a gas station near my house still charging $3.87 a gallon!  At that price it's worth driving a few extra miles to get it for $3.07!!  Avoiding those stations with the higher prices will not only save you money, but will send them a compelling message!  Check out this site for your area today...you'll be glad you did!