Thank you, Durango Herald, for publishing the story titled “Drivers beware: Don’t fall prey to gas-price scams,” (Oct. 4). Anyone who travels cross-country is likely to have encountered similar scenarios. However, no scam is needed in the Durango area as the price per gallon is regularly excessive.

Octane is an issue that was not mentioned and likely could not be considered a scam, but is very frustrating for individuals driving vehicles with large fuel tanks that call for higher octane. In a recent visit to Denver, gas was advertised at $2.09 and $2.69 per gallon. As might be expected, there were long lines to fill up; however when reaching the pump the octane was 85 and 91. This is often true in Durango also.

For the most part, manufacturers recommend a minimum of 87 octane, yet in Colorado, gas stations sell “regular” gasoline, which is rated at 85 or 86 octane. In nearly all of the rest of the United States, 87 octane is the lowest grade available. You might get by with 85 instead of 87 at the cost of retarded timing, but if a service department ever asks you if you put anything less than 87 in your tank before performing warranty service, I think you want to be able to say no.

The billboard indicates high test, low test, premium, regular, mid-grade. But what is it? The pump indicates 85, 86, 87, 91, etc. Stations should be able to sell whatever octane they wish. To me, it would be much more unambiguous if the octane rating were displayed on the billboard.

O.D. Perry

Bayfield