Gasoline prices are expected to hit record levels in coming months, peaking in May at an average of $2.15 a gallon nationwide for regular, according to a government forecast released Tuesday.

I live in a gas-producing part of the country and I'm paying $2.21 per gallon for the lowest grade now. Supposedly the high prices are caused by our strict emission standards--but hasn't that technology already been put in place and paid for? I think the gas companies are--and have been all along--engaging in price gouging.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the price of gas hereabouts hit $2.50 or higher; then when it drops back and everyone shouts, "Hallelujah!", it will drop back to some price greater than today's. Defiant gasoline producers will assume a contrite mien, hiding the fact that a permanent increase has once again been contrived.

This has been the tactic all along, towards ever higher "base prices" while I haven't seen a cost of living increase in my income for several years now. Can you say squeezed? I'm so glad I bought a car with good gas mileage.