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Go ahead; go for a ride

Gas prices dropping

There’s no need to keep driving on empty.

National gas prices are the lowest they’ve been in six years, and the Durango area isn’t lagging too far behind.

Gas prices documented Friday for the Durango area were $3.583 per gallon, about 7 cents higher than the national average of $3.509 per gallon, according to AAA’s Fuel Report.

Though Durango’s prices are slightly higher than the national average, data indicate a steady decline in local gas prices.

Last year’s August average was $3.646 per gallon in Durango, and last month was $3.605 per gallon.

Durango’s current gas prices are lower than the state’s average of $3.599 per gallon, indicating that Durangoans are saving a little bit more cash than the rest of the state.

Perhaps more people are willing to take a road trip to Durango as gas becomes more affordable.

Several people were seen pumping gas around noon at the Exxon station off Florida Road.

One of those customers was Ohio native Russ Jefferson, who had stopped there to fill up the red Ford F150 pickup he was driving.

As he pumped fuel into the notorious gas guzzler, he joked that even people who drive hybrid cars generally are unhappy with the amount of gas they buy.

“Lower gas prices certainly allows us to spend more money on other things,” Jefferson said.

Jefferson is on vacation and staying in his Vallecito home.

Anne Klein, director of public relations for the Durango Area Tourism Office, said gas prices are often a favorable indicator in evaluating the tourism market when it comes to drive-in guests.

It’s especially great for people who want to sneak in a last-minute trip because Durango is a popular “drive to” destination, she said.

Also, people are more likely to ride the train and stop by other tourist attractions such as Durango Mountain Resort and participate in local events.

“It’s wonderful for our end-of-summer events and festivals,” Klein said.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com



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