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What's Driving Up Gas Prices?

When artist Don McCullough got to the gas station in Wolfboro, New Hampshire, he blinked. What? The price of gas the day before had been $1.36 a gallon. Now it was up to $1.49.

Debra Davis of San Francisco was similarly shocked. "Gasoline prices are outrageous," complained Davis, who works in a school. "My bill has gone up $20 a month."

All across the country, drivers are complaining. A gallon of gas costs 14 cents more today than it did in February. That means the cost of filling a big car has gone up more than $2!

Senator Bob Dole, who is running for President, says the high prices are partly President Bill Clinton's fault. Dole wants to end a 4.3 cents-a-gallon gas tax that the President supports. "The way to give consumers relief," says Dole, "is to repeal the gas tax."

President Clinton says voters should not blame him. He ordered an investigation to find out why oil companies, which produce gasoline, raised their prices.

The companies say the long, cold winter is partly to blame. Lots of petroleum was used to make heating oil, so there's less available to make gas.

High gas prices may have one good effect, though: people may drive less, and that means less pollution.

Next: A Hero Saves A School Bus