To the Editor:

If we believe the oil companies’ explanations as to why gas prices vary from region to region, I wonder why these same “marketing rules” do not apply to all businesses. I’m told that gas prices vary because of supply and demand. Transportation costs for getting their product to a designated area also affects the price per gallon.

I traveled from Sarasota, Florida to Norwood, New York during these past two weeks. I bought Ritz crackers in Sarasota, Fl., Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina and @ the Wal-Mart store in Potsdam, for $2.50 for a 13.7 oz. box. I, also, purchased fresh strawberries (grown in Florida) for $1.98/lb. or $3.74/2 lbs. at all three locations. I bought a two-pound brick of extra sharp Cabot Cheddar Cheese produced in Vermont from all three State locations (Florida, S. Carolina and New York) for $9.97.

The cost for gas in Sarasota two weeks ago was $2.37/gallon except the day that I (and hundreds of other “snow birds”) headed North…the cost for gas rose over night ($.18) to $2.55/gallon. When I arrived to Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina, the cost for gas was $2.04/gallon. Today the price for gas in Potsdam in $2.63/ gallon.

Some people will say that I am comparing apples to oranges. I’m saying that we (as consumers and car owners) are being ripped off.

Why can’t the price of gasoline/per gallon be the same price Nationwide? We, as taxpayers, give these oil companies many tax-break incentives.

When will our elected representatives on the state and federal level begin to give us answers concerning these gas price discrepancies?

Why should a tank of gas cost me $10 more in Potsdam than in Myrtle Beach, SC when I can buy strawberries, cheese, crackers and most food products for the same price no matter where I live?

Bob Haggett

Norwood