Join the army of pump price patrollers and keep 'em accountable

So, what do you think of the price of gas?

It doesn't take too long these days before the conversation turns to our collective pain at the pumps.

Skyrocketing gas prices have gone from an average of $1.13 in Ontario on April 12 to about $1.24 by the middle of this week. Over a longer time frame gas prices have been even more volatile, reaching a low of about 94 cents a litre last fall. But they've fluctuated from about $1.08 in April 2007 to the current price.

The price of oil continues to reach record highs and it isn't expected to drop dramatically any time soon.

Those who follow gas pricing trends don't expect prices to drop in the next few months. With the summer driving season right around the corner, we can probably expect to get hosed for the foreseeable future.

It's a hot topic that is on everybody's mind these days, from the commuter to the trucker to everybody in between. No matter where you live or what you do, the price of gas affects you.

That's why we're looking for your help to find the lowest gas prices in Durham Region. As part of our online army of gas price watchers, you'll have a hand in assisting your fellow drivers in finding a break at stations across Durham.

Beginning on Thursday, you can go to newsdurhamregion.com to register as an official pump price watcher. You can report gas prices on a regular basis from across the Region and help tabs on where the best deals are.

At the same time, you can easily access prices at a wide range of stations by checking our Pump Price Watch section at newsdurhamregion.com. Information on gas prices will be available at the site any time you want it.

There are many little things you can do to help reduce gas consumption: don't idle, make sure your care is properly serviced and maintained, keep tire pressure optimal, go easy on the air conditioning, keep windows closed, use cruise control and other tips. But, in the end, we need fuel to keep moving. Let's all try to get the best prices we can.

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-- Metroland Durham Region Media Group