Gas prices give immediate indication of war concerns

While the debate continues among politicians over what action to take against Iraq, action at the gas pumps has been almost immediate. With each day and each new report that we’re closer to war with Iraq, gas prices are moving upward. Prices jumped up 10 cents just overnight in Des Moines and Jennifer Moehlman of the Iowa D-N-R says they’re up statewide.She says gas has gone up roughly 20 to 25 cents-a-gallon statewide in the last three weeks. While increases in prices right after the September 11th attacks created an uproar — Moehlman says the latest increases are not just a matter of retailers trying to prey on war fears.Part of the increase reflects part of the increase in wholesale costs, and part of the increase is a worry about supplies. She says retailers will have to pay extra for the new supplies of gas they’re getting in. Moehlman says the gas price increases may continue just as the talk about potential war with Iraq will continues.Moehlman says prices will probably stay at this level or go up slightly. Gas prices are averaging around a-dollar-60-cents a-gallon or about 50 cents higher than a year ago at this time.