Janesville-Beloit gas prices remain far above year-ago levels after volatile six months
Rock County drivers and businesses have endured a volatile six months at the pump, with gasoline prices rising and falling amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to global energy supplies. The swings have kept fuel costs in the headlines for much of the year. High gasoline and diesel prices also became part of the broader cost-of-living debate during this week’s midterm elections, with candidates, political observers and voters pointing to fuel costs as one of the economic pressures facing households and businesses. As of this week, the average price for regular gasoline in the Janesville-Beloit area was about $4.17 per gallon, according to AAA. That was roughly $1.30 per gallon, or 45%, higher than a year earlier. Wisconsin’s statewide average was about $4.04. For a driver filling a 15-gallon tank, that year-over-year difference amounts to about $19.50 more per fill-up. The increase is even more pronounced for diesel, an important expense for trucking, construction, agriculture and other businesses. Janesville-Beloit diesel averaged about $6.25 per gallon this week, roughly $2.66, or 74%, higher than a year earlier. The local diesel average reached a record $6.72 per gallon on Sept. 22. Prices rise, fall and rise again The
