Determining why the price of a gallon of gas is the most expensive it's ever been is like trying to find an invisible man.
Supply and demand plays a large role in the formula, but so do the costs of refining and transporting, taxes and retail markups. Add to that tension in the Middle East, OPEC's often-changing stance on oil supply and speculators flooding the market with worry, and it's enough to make even the most economic-savvy person pull some hair out.
All the bad news and confusion about gas, however, may end up benefiting local and area businesses to a certain extent.
Many families who used to go out of state for vacation won't be this summer. They'll be staying closer to home, perhaps choosing not to go on one big trip, but on some smaller day trips instead. Monroe residents could take day trips to New Glarus, Darlington, Mineral Point, Dubuque, Rockford and Madison. And Monroe may itself be more of a day-trip destination.
That can mean more money in the local economy, which is feeling the pinch of higher gas prices, reduced consumer spending and rising costs of doing business as much as any in the state.
The current situation also points to the wisdom of two local groups, Monroe Main Street and the Visitor and Promotion Board, which are looking for ways to provide more amenities and attractions for those who travel without using gasoline - bicyclists.
The more money that gets spent in the area, the less businesses have to pass on the increased costs of gas, supplies and health care for employees via their products and services to customers.
Higher gas prices may mean residents have less money to spend on unnecessary items, like those associated with a trip, but that also could make them more likely to spend that money they do have where they know it will be reinvested back into the community.
Lower gas prices may help residents think twice about taking that long trip, but there are other ways to save money on gas. Here are 10, courtesy of our sister paper, The Janesville Gazette:
1. Use a carpool. Even if you only carpool once or twice a week, you're already on your way to saving money.
2. Slow down. Research shows that speeding uses more gas.
3. Combine errands. Instead of spreading out runs to the bank, post office and grocery store over a couple days, do them all at once, and do them after work one day. That saves a trip on the weekend.
4. Remember the Internet. You can bank, buy stamps, pay bills, renew library books and shop online.
5. If your family has two cars, drive the more fuel-efficient car whenever possible.
6. Take a hike (or ride a bike).
7. Work from home. Even if it's for one day a week, it can make a difference.
8. Have a dinner party. Invite neighbors instead of having everyone go out.
9. Share school rides.
10. Keep the trunk light. The heavier the load in your car, the more gas it guzzles. Remember: Your trunk is not a storage locker.
Supply and demand plays a large role in the formula, but so do the costs of refining and transporting, taxes and retail markups. Add to that tension in the Middle East, OPEC's often-changing stance on oil supply and speculators flooding the market with worry, and it's enough to make even the most economic-savvy person pull some hair out.
All the bad news and confusion about gas, however, may end up benefiting local and area businesses to a certain extent.
Many families who used to go out of state for vacation won't be this summer. They'll be staying closer to home, perhaps choosing not to go on one big trip, but on some smaller day trips instead. Monroe residents could take day trips to New Glarus, Darlington, Mineral Point, Dubuque, Rockford and Madison. And Monroe may itself be more of a day-trip destination.
That can mean more money in the local economy, which is feeling the pinch of higher gas prices, reduced consumer spending and rising costs of doing business as much as any in the state.
The current situation also points to the wisdom of two local groups, Monroe Main Street and the Visitor and Promotion Board, which are looking for ways to provide more amenities and attractions for those who travel without using gasoline - bicyclists.
The more money that gets spent in the area, the less businesses have to pass on the increased costs of gas, supplies and health care for employees via their products and services to customers.
Higher gas prices may mean residents have less money to spend on unnecessary items, like those associated with a trip, but that also could make them more likely to spend that money they do have where they know it will be reinvested back into the community.
Lower gas prices may help residents think twice about taking that long trip, but there are other ways to save money on gas. Here are 10, courtesy of our sister paper, The Janesville Gazette:
1. Use a carpool. Even if you only carpool once or twice a week, you're already on your way to saving money.
2. Slow down. Research shows that speeding uses more gas.
3. Combine errands. Instead of spreading out runs to the bank, post office and grocery store over a couple days, do them all at once, and do them after work one day. That saves a trip on the weekend.
4. Remember the Internet. You can bank, buy stamps, pay bills, renew library books and shop online.
5. If your family has two cars, drive the more fuel-efficient car whenever possible.
6. Take a hike (or ride a bike).
7. Work from home. Even if it's for one day a week, it can make a difference.
8. Have a dinner party. Invite neighbors instead of having everyone go out.
9. Share school rides.
10. Keep the trunk light. The heavier the load in your car, the more gas it guzzles. Remember: Your trunk is not a storage locker.
