This week, the statewide average price for a gallon of gas dropped under two dollars for the first time in three-and-a-half years. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says gas prices have dropped to their lowest level since May of 2005. Some motorists say the recent plummet at the pump won’t change their driving habits. Allen Postel of Cedar Rapids says he’s still going to conserve gas.
"I used to do some shopping in the Quad Cities, or Dubuque or Waterloo, but I pretty much quit doing that," Postel said. Most small businesses owners welcome the lower gas prices, but don’t expect it will last. Rollie Pierson, owner of Pierson’s Florists in Cedar Rapids, says he did not add a delivery surcharge when gas prices spiked and he won’t make changes now that they’ve dropped.
"We might be more inclined to (deliver) to some of the smaller surrounding towns a little more often, but as a rule, we’re keeping our policies in place cause I don’t think (gas prices) will stay that low," Pierson said. Energy experts with the DNR agree with Pierson. They expect prices will increase again closer to Thanksgiving and when the slumping economy picks up.