Discussion: Gas

Canton has always been much higher.

New Hartford had regular for $1.999 yesterday. They probably had to go look in some storage closet for those 1s. :)

Here’s a little historical question for you: in 1973 gas prices per gallon generally ended in 8 for a time instead of 9. Do you know why?

The first digit was 6. Just a guess as we were elsewhere.

Commerce has always viewed the populace as stupid. End a price with 9, like $1.99, they won’t feel they are paying $2. Speaking of $1.99, that’s the price this moment at the base of Avon Mountain for regular gas. Drive up to the Avon/Simsbury, Canton corner on US 44, and you’ll pay 2.199 (2.20 sucker).

Or 2.39.

1973 was the first time gas cost more than $1. The pumps only had two digits other than the tenths, so they went to half gallon pricing. So, say 54.9 cents per half gallon meant $1.098 per gallon. Until they came out with new pumps. didnt take all that long.

We were in England and I don’t remember the price but the minimum purchase was 3 gallons. I had a Fiat at the time with a tank of 5 or 6 gallons max and making long business trips. Struggle was to get low enough with pumps available somewhere.