Local gasoline costs in flux

A gasoline supply glitch was causing wild fluctuations Thursday in Shawano County pump prices, including one retailer’s move to perhaps the highest prices in Wisconsin.

Angelica Mobil, located along state Highway 29 in eastern Shawano County, raised its prices to $3.12 a gallon for regular unleaded fuel — 45 cents above the state average and 50 cents above the national average.

The move had consumers crying foul and industry watchers scratching their heads in disbelief.

“That is higher than anything I’ve heard,” said Nick Jarmusz, spokesman for gas-price tracker AAA of Wisconsin.

With retailers reacting to a refinery disruption in Indiana, Jarmusz said prices were inching upward across the state and were reported highest in the Milwaukee area.

Elsewhere in the Shawano County area, consumers were seeing prices as low as $2.54 a gallon.

Employees at Angelica Mobil declined to comment on their prices.

Consumers visiting the station, however, said they felt like the retailer, located in the town of Angelica, was taking advantage of the refinery troubles to overcharge customers.

“This is just ridiculous,” said Jerry Wojkiewicz, who said he bought gas there a few days ago for just $2.43 a gallon.

Wojkiewicz, who left without fueling up Thursday, said the momentary supply disruption was being exploited as “an excuse” to engage in price gouging.

A British Petroleum refinery in northern Indiana shut down part of its operation for unscheduled repairs over the weekend, raising fears about higher pump prices for Midwest motorists. There has been no indication how long the refinery disruption will continue.

Despite lower world oil prices, reduced international demand and other factors that had been holding down U.S. consumer prices in recent months, the refinery issue in Indiana was blamed for a sudden spike in prices in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and elsewhere.

AAA Wisconsin reported prices jumping as much as 20 cents a gallon overnight at some Milwaukee-area outlets, up to $2.81 a gallon on average. The national average Thursday was $2.61 a gallon, compared with $2.67 a gallon in Wisconsin. Elsewhere in the Dairy State, prices ranged from $2.59 in Green Bay to $2.69 in Eau Claire.

Some retailers react differently than others to industry changes, Jarmusz said, adding that he recommends consumers shop around for the best prices in the coming days.

“There’s going to be a wide variety,” he said.

At the Shawano Service station near downtown Shawano, consumers on Thursday were paying $2.54 a gallon for regular unleaded fuel.

Employee Shane Koeller said the price had not changed in recent days, even though the owners were aware of the Indiana refinery problem and the forecast of rising prices. Koeller said his small, independent outlet would wait to see what price comes from the next tanker delivery, and adjust if necessary.

Asked why other retailers were raising prices already, he said. “I assume they’re anticipating a spike.”

At the Angelica Mobil station, some consumers were filling up, even though they found the $3.12-a-gallon price objectionable.

Tom LaBeau, a Michigan resident on a summer excursion, said he stopped to fuel up while just passing through town. He had no idea he could have found gasoline 40 to 50 cents a gallon cheaper a few miles away.

“That doesn’t seem fair at all,” he said.

Larry Rusniak, who also was filling his tank, said he blames oil companies more than retailers for sudden price increases, although he said some store owners, too, take advantage of consumers. He said paying 45 cents a gallon over the state average was too much for him.

“That’s nuts,” he said.