Gas Hits $3.12

Friday, May 11th 2007, 10:01 am

By: News On 6

Thereâ€™s panic at the pump as Tulsa gas prices set a new all-time high. Most stations are charging $3.09 or more Friday. News On 6 anchor Terry Hood reports now experts are saying it's a gas gauge for the record books.

These days, the "E" on the gas gauge could easily stand for â€œenraged", especially as drivers pull up to the pump and see prices over $3.

"I'm surprised it's going up so much," said driver Kelly Boyce.

One man is getting his last cheap fill for a while. The store manager tells us he just hasn't gotten out to change the sign. In a matter of minutes, he'll be charging $3.12, just like the station across the street.

"It's ridiculous because Oklahoma produces their own gas and oil, and we have three gas plants here in the city of Tulsa," said driver Billy Inks.

Experts say the number of plants is deceiving, because they may not all be putting as much gas on the market as they could be.

Two weeks ago, a fire burned up an entire tank of diesel and shut down a refinery in south central Oklahoma. And they're not alone.

"There was up to 12 different refineries that were in the area of reduced production capability, some completely shut down, some partially shut down, and all of that in effect had a role in making these prices go up," said AAA spokesperson Rick Bickford.

Bickford expects them to stay up too, at least through the Fourth of July. Seeing $3.09 at the pump may make motorists want to walk, but for many, giving up their car is impossible.

"I try to drive as little as possible, but it still hurts. I mean, you still have to get around, you still have things to do," said Boyce.

Boyce hit $40 before he twisted the gas cap back on. He's just one of a growing number of drivers who leave with the needle on "F", for â€œfed up.â€

Our crews in Tahlequah and Claremore say they spotted gas at $3.19 Friday. And in Oklahoma City there are reports of $3.29 a gallon gas, which is a new Oklahoma record.

For a look at the ups and downs of this yearâ€™s gas prices, and to see how Oklahoma gas prices stack up against the nation, click here.