Staff Writer

March 18, 2000 10 PM

Although gas prices seem to continue increasing between fill ups, Pike Countians keeping going back, and each time it takes a little more money to get the tank full.

The common phrase in Pike County is "too high" when it comes to discussion of gas prices.

Tracy Jones is a clerk at a local gas station and she’s getting an earful about the prices at the pumps.

"I’ve had a lot of complaints," Jones said. "But, they’ve got to have it so they’re going to buy it."

Steven Wilson said he can’t do anything about the price of gasoline except buy less of it. That’s exactly what he’s planning to do.

"I think I’m going to start riding my bike more," Wilson said of the "ridiculous" gas prices.

Gas price in Pike County range from 145.9 to 148.9 for regular unleaded, and premium gas prices from 163.9 to 168.9. Although it has been rumored than prices may start to decrease closer to the end of spring, consumers won’t be satisfied until the prices at the pump are lower.

But the increase in gas prices have consumers doing more than complaining about the high gas bills. Some are even considering changing summer vacation plans since with current gas prices it will cost too much for the annual trip.

Ronald Jones’ travel habits have changed "somewhat" because of the gas prices.

"They’re too high, goodness gracious, they’re too high," he said.

Like many people, Alfonza Frazier just wants to know when the prices are going down. Since prices have increase Frazier said he has made more use of his feet than ever before.

"It’s totally ridiculous," Frazier said. "They’re too high and I don’t know when they’re going down.

"I’m just lucky I work within walking distance of home."

Even though prices in Pike County are high, they are even more severe in other places. The national average for regular gasoline is about $1.54, but during the peak driving season national averages could climb as high as $1.75 to $1.80 per gallon.

Where Wayne Senn is from, gas prices are around $1.72, and he’s been forced to put a lower grade of fuel in his pickup truck.

"I’ve been using 92 and 93 and I’ve gone down to 89," Senn said. "It’s ridiculous. It’s way too high."