FUEL prices on Saipan are up again Wednesday amid Russia’s warning that Western countries could face oil prices of over $300 per barrel.
On Tuesday, the New York Times reported that Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose about 4%, to about $128 a barrel.
The regular gas price on Saipan Wednesday went up to $6.06 a gallon from $5.76 a gallon; premium gas to $6.51 a gallon from $6.21 a gallon; and diesel, to 6.53 a gallon from $6.13 a gallon.
Mobil Oil gas stations on Tinian and Rota had not raised their fuel prices as of Wednesday.
The regular gas price on Rota as of Wednesday afternoon was still $7.24 a gallon and diesel was still $9.67 a gallon. But a Mobil cashier on Rota told Variety they will raise their regular gas price today, Thursday, by 30 cents and diesel by 40 cents.
Mobil Oil on Tinian also had not raised its prices on Wednesday. Its regular gas price was still $7.49 a gallon and diesel, $7.89 a gallon. The Mobil Oil cashier on Tinian said they had yet to receive a notice from their supplier about the fuel price hike.
Amy Guanlao, a Saipan accountant, said, “It’s time to use bicycles, or if the destination is not too far, might as well walk.”
She said even before the recent fuel price hikes, she could only buy $40 worth of gas.
Clyde K. Norita, a former Torres cabinet official and now a supporter of the independent gubernatorial candidacy of Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, said, “This administration that has full control of our American Rescue Plan Act funds can help our people by providing gas vouchers and utility vouchers. What we are experiencing here on Saipan will be harder for our family and friends on Rota and Tinian. Save our people by providing stimulus checks for utilities, gasoline and food.”
According to Reuters, oil “has surged since Russia, the world’s second-largest crude exporter, launched what it called a ‘special operation’ in Ukraine. Brent hit $139 on Monday, its highest since 2008.”
The Mobil Oil Marianas in San Jose displays its new prices on Wednesday afternoon.
Motorists line up at Shell Dandan Gas Station which has not raised its prices yet late Wednesday afternoon.
