Petro Patrol

After a steady downward trend heading into the summer, the price of regular gas is back on the incline.

Since our last petroleum watch on July 12, the price of regular gas had spiked up 10 cents from $3.79 to $3.89 in just one week. As of July 17, the price of regular gas has increased another 10 cents to $3.99 per gallon-- a 20-cent increase in just two weeks.

However, one patron at the pump said, although she was reluctantly filling her gas tank, she is taking steps to avoid driving by bicycling as much as possible:

"In terms of getting to work and working, I don't use my car or public transportation; I bike," said Mary Woods. "If I'm going someplace like the beach, I'll fill up. But yeah, this is a hinderance. I swore I would never come to BP, because I hate BP. But here I am."

Last Monday, the Federal Trade Commission announced it will be launching an investigation into possible illegal, anti-competitive conduct within the oil industry. So far, we have not heard what the results of that investigation has found, but we will keep BSP readers abreast of any new news.