Gas Prices At Record High

Gas prices hit an all-time record high here in the Hoosier state. The national average price for a gallon of unleaded gas is $3.53. Here in Indiana it rose to $3.55 overnight. It is hitting local residents where it hurts. Its hard to believe, but if youve been to the pumps youve seen just how expensive a gallon of gas is. Families needing to fill up are hurting but at least one local congressman says he has a temporary solution. The price of gas here at the BP on Lloyd and Fulton pretty much tells the story. "I need to turn around and find somewhere cheaper.This is crazy." But finding somewhere a whole lot cheaper in the area is pretty close to impossible. Gas prices overnight hit an all-time high in the Hoosier state. "Sometimes I think Im gonna walk to work or get a moped, its so expensive." Others like Nick Howard say they cant even entertain that option. He needs his truck for his job on the farm. And though he didnt fill up his gas tank today, it usually costs him 80 to 90 dollars. "We used to come to Evansville 2 to 3 times a week now we just make it here once a week. Lot of times we stay home." But congressman Brad Ellsworth says families shouldnt have to make those types of decisions. "Lets suspend the filling of the gas reserve. Theres indication that that could possibly drop the gas prices by a quarter of a gallon." Congressman Ellsworth says he is sponsoring the strategic petroleum reserve fill suspension and consumer protection act. It proposes not purchasing oil for the national reserves for the rest of the year or until petroleum hits 50 dollars a barrel for 90 days. He hopes it will increase the supply available to consumers but not hurt emergency supplies. "At the current level thats exactly the level it was in 05 when the president did this and used temporary suspension for Katrina and Rita." Ellsworth says he hopes to get the bill pass by summer when gas prices are expected to reach even higher rates.