Amid predictions global oil prices could skyrocket to $150 per barrel, Mobil gas stations in the Commonwealth hiked prices once again in a move that is sure to place added strain on local drivers.
A survey of Mobil stations on Saipan revealed prices rose to $4.80 per gallon for regular and $4.95 for premium gas on Tuesday, a spike of 18 cents, and to $5.67 per gallon for diesel, up 21 cents.
On Tinian, a Mobil station reported a similar increase with prices rising to $5.31 for regular fuel, above the previous $5.13 price, and $5.97 for diesel, a 20-cent jump. However, a Mobil station on Rota reported it had yet to receive any word of an increase.
The price adjustment took effect at 2pm yesterday.
The price hike appears for the moment confined to Mobil gas stations, with Shell stations reporting no change in prices as of press time. The increase comes after rumors last week of climbing gas prices triggered panic buying among many consumers and long lines at some stations.
Representatives for Mobil did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the increase. A source with Shell had no report of a price spike.
Gas prices have risen nationwide this week above the current $4 average, due in part to speculation last week by the investment firm Morgan that oil prices could reach $150 per barrel, a prediction that drove the price to a record high of $139.
The national average price of a gallon of regular gas jumped 1.8 cents this week to a record $4.023, according to AAA. Prices climbed over $4 nationally on Sunday, though they are higher in many parts of the country.
NEW MOBIL PRICES
SELF-SERVICE
Regular $4.80
Premium $4.95
FULL-SERVICE
Regular $4.939
Premium $5.079
Diesel $5.679
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