Q: Gary, I know you don’t like to write about gas prices, but can you give us an update on why prices have gone up so much in the last few weeks?
Greg Wyess, Campbell
A: Hey, I’ve written zillions of stories on gas prices. The California average is around $3.90 a gallon, up from $3.60 last month, a whopping increase from $3.18 a year ago.
Why? We are driving more again, but refinery production has not increased significantly. Our gas taxes are the highest in the nation, and the conversion to California’s summer blend of gas costs more to produce and, therefore, also costs more at the pump.
But after a year of the pandemic, social injustice protests, the drama of the 2020 election, the insurrection at the Capitol, I offer a distraction: another Roadshow gas contest.
Predict the average price of gas on Memorial Day in California to win a free tank of gas. The deadline to post your guess is May 1. Send it to Gary Richards at facebook.com/mr.roadshow, or email me at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com. When you turn in your entry, include your name and the city where you live and use GASCONTEST as the subject line.
Enjoy!
Q: I would like to thank all the people who voted for Joe Biden. The price of gas has gone up 30 cents at my local station since the election. There may be a proposed increase in the federal gas tax. Elimination of the Keystone pipeline ticked off Canada and worker unions and resulted in the loss of jobs, etc. That really helps the middle class; thank you, Mr. Biden. How about opening up the Keystone pipeline and fracking?
Joe Ruk, Belmont
A: Oh, Mr. Ruk, presidents get too much blame when prices soar and too much credit when they decline. There are so many factors that go into the price at the pump.
Q: I have a 2005 Prius and fear having my catalytic converter stolen. I looked into having a cover put on and was given quotes that ran over $1,000. Where can I get it done for the $300 you quoted? The Toyota dealer would not do it.
Jennifer Harris, Portola Valley
A: You need to shop around, but prices are going up as more drivers are trying these protective covers. Check out Miller CAT Corp., a manufacturing company for catalytic converters and catalytic converter anti-theft devices in San Jose. They cover all Prius models and vehicles like the Lexus CT 200h and the Honda Element. Their website includes a map of certified installers.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.
