consumer

Gas prices go up again

Panamanians' pocketbooks took another hit yesterday when the base price of 95 octane gas rose 9 cents per gallon, 91 octane 8 cents and diesel 14 cents. The new prices will be effective until May 28.

According to an Acodeco survey of 110 gas stations in the city yesterday, the price of 91 octane ranged between $3.87 and $4.02 per gallon, 95 octane varied from $4.08 to $4.20. Diesel cost between $3.92 and $3.99 per gallon.

The price increase will drive 91 octane up to $3.95 per gallon, 95 octane to $4.17 and diesel to $4.06.

Acodeco administrator Pedro Meilán and Mici's director of Hidrocarburos Wolfram González advise consumers to seek out the the lowest prices. Samuel Quintero, a product specialist for automobile dealer Ricardo Pérez, recomended that drivers check their tire pressure, since proper inflation can save between 4 percent and 6 percent in gas costs. He also recommended that drivers monitor the use of fuel over specific distances whenever they fill the tank in order to see if their are any changes in consumption.

Quintero further suggested that consumers avoid accelerating sharply from a stop since automobile engines consume gas inefficiently under those conditions. "If you're going on the open road, use the air conditioner," he added, since the aerodynamic efficiency gained by driving with the windows closed compensates for the energy expended by the compressor.