The Duncan Banner

Local News

March 17, 2013

Gas prices impact Spring Break, Marlow church helps out

Derrick Miller The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — As Spring Breakers travel to their week-long destinations, they may be taking gas prices into consideration.

According to the AAA website Friday, the average gas price in Duncan was sitting at $3.675 per gallon, although the most common price was $3.599 per gallon. Last week, the average gas price was $3.627 per gallon.

Throughout the past few years, congregation members of the First Baptist Church in Marlow have taken note of the increasing price of gas. The church has hosted two gas buydowns and has another one planned for May 18.

“We were struck by the need of the people,” Pastor Joe Ligon said. “We’re helping them save some of the money they would have spent so they can use it for other things.”

Duncan’s average gas price Friday was higher than it was last week at the same time. Last week, gas prices averaged about $3.602 per gallon, according to the AAA website.

In fact, gas prices dropped 10 cents March 12, only to go up 10 cents a few days later. Ligon said gas prices seem to go right back up even if they decreased.

Regardless, Friday’s gas price average was less than the averages for six months ago and last year at the same time.

According to the website, six months ago the average gas price was $3.810 per gallon, and last year the average gas price was $3,722 per gallon.

With the rising cost of gas prices, Ligon sees more importance in helping with gas buydowns. According to the AAA website, to fill a vehicle with a 15-gallon tank would cost an average of $55.12.

When the church started the gas buydown, the idea was to alleviate a burden on area residents. From there, the church began a grocery buydown and a toy store (similar to the Duncan Toy Shop during Christmas).

“It keeps us hopping,” Ligon said. “Everybody here is very favorable of it. It’s a great thing for our church.”

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