Previous Story
Gas prices up, diesel hits $5 mark
|
Posted on May 12 2008
With crude oil prices hovering at $126 a barrel, it was only a matter of time before local oil firms adjust their prices and it finally happened yesterday, with diesel breaching the $5 mark—a first in CNMI history.
Saipan Tribune learned that effective at 2pm yesterday, Mobil Oil Marianas increased its prices for regular gasoline by 12 cents, super by eight cents, and diesel by 12 cents.
This is Mobil’s seventh increase so far this year, including the 10-cent increase in its diesel price last week.
Shell Marianas Inc. has yet to raise its gas prices but it is expected to do so anytime soon. The two companies usually mirror each other’s price hikes.
As usual, Mobil did not publicly announce yesterday’s increase. It also did not explain the need to adjust its prices.
Under the new prices, Mobil’s self-service regular gas on Saipan now costs $4.449 a gallon, while its super unleaded is now $4.599 a gallon.
For full service, Mobil’s regular gas is now $4.579 a gallon, while its super is now $4.719 a gallon.
Diesel is now $5.119 a gallon as last week Mobil and Shell Marianas Inc. raised the fuel’s price by 10 cents without announcing it to the public.
After news spread of Mobil’s increase yesterday afternoon, many motorists were seen avoiding Mobil and lining up at some Shell gas stations on Saipan.
If you think these prices are steep, you should check out Rota. Saipan Tribune learned that, as of 2pm yesterday, the price for a gallon of regular gas on Rota was $5, while diesel was at $5.65. Today, Tuesday, diesel on the island will cost $5.75 a gallon.
On Tinian, regular gas is now $4.940 a gallon and diesel $5.409 per gallon.
On April 21, Mobil increased its prices for regular and super by 12 cents a gallon. It also increased its price of diesel by 14 cents a gallon.
Last April 10, Shell increased its gasoline products by six cents a gallon, and 10 cents a gallon for diesel. After a day or two, Mobil also increased its gas prices.
