Tuesday Open Line


Gas prices are a frequent cause for consumer complaint — but at least purchases aren’t restricted, as they were beginning this month in 1942. That’s when 17 states began rationing gasoline to help the war effort. By December, rationing was nationwide and remained in effect until the end of World War II, along with a national speed limit of 35 miles an hour. Now, there are more than 118,000 gas stations across the country. Each year, they sell nearly $452 billion worth of gasoline and diesel fuel. The average car gets over 23 miles to the gallon, while SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks get 17 miles per gallon. The national average for all vehicles on the road is 17.5 miles per un-rationed gallon. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.