Rota gas prices: $6.10 to $6.90 a gallon

Rota has the dubious distinction of having the most expensive gas on American soil, with regular unleaded gasoline now at $6.10 a gallon and diesel at $6.90 a gallon while Tinian regular gas is also about to breach the $6-mark once it raises pump prices by 10 cents.

In the CNMI, Rota and Tinian have much higher gas prices than those on the main island of Saipan, whose prices already dwarf those across the United States and its territories.

Average gas price in the U.S. mainland was $3.689 a gallon on Thursday, and that’s an increase from the previous days and weeks amid the situation in the Middle East and demand for gas.

Meanwhile, Shell Marianas yesterday mirrored Mobil Oil Marianas’ 10-cent increase on pump prices for regular, super, and diesel on Saipan-hitting a record high of $5.159, $5.479 and $5.5519 a gallon, respectively.

“I am only earning minimum wage of $5.05 an hour, and for me to buy gas on Rota I have to work more than an hour. To survive, I have to find other means to increase my income even for just a few dollars, like farming and fishing,” said Rota resident Annabella Villamor, 36.

Villamor said she used to spend only $30 a week on gas but nowadays a week of gas costs her $55 to $60. Because of soaring gas prices, she has to limit her car use from her house in Sinapalo to her workplace in Songsong and vice versa.

“And now, prices increased again. That’s really too much,” she added.

Regular unleaded gasoline at both Luta Gas and Sasanhaya Service Station is now $6.10 a gallon. Only Sasanhaya Service Station carries diesel, now at $6.90, after a 10-cent increase.

As gas prices continue to surge, the most painful aspect is the impact on families’ disposable income, according to Rep. Teresita Santos (Ind-Rota).

“It places pressure on their budget as families and individuals must re-adjust spending to be able to afford the high cost of gas. With the soaring prices of gas, conservation could be an important step in reducing gas consumption and saving cost,” she added.

On Tinian, gas prices remained unchanged as of yesterday but they were also expected to go up by 10 cents just like on Rota and Saipan.

As of yesterday, regular gas at Tinian Fuel Service Station was $5.998 a gallon and diesel, $6.349 a gallon. At SN Five, regular gas was $5.909 a gallon and diesel was $6.349 a gallon. Once a 10-cent increase takes in effect, regular gas on Tinian could go up to $6.009 and $6.098 a gallon.

“Prices are relatively high. I hope that resident can cope with it or find other means not to be dependent on gas. I know it will affect everybody,” said Rep. Trenton Conner (R-Tinian).

A Saipan resident living in the As Matuis area said while Saipan gas prices “are so expensive,” she feels worse for Rota and Tinian residents who have to deal with much higher gas prices.

The mother of six said even in her household, they have to limit the number of trips they make to the store unless really necessary.

“If you have to buy $2 worth of goods for your kids and the gas price is over $5 a gallon, you have to think again,” she said.

Alex, a Saipan resident earning minimum wage of $5.05 an hour, said CNMI residents cannot do anything about the gas prices but they sure can cut other expenses.

“Yes my hourly salary is less than a gallon of gas but what can I do? I still need to earn a living,” he added.