Why is fuel more expensive here?

Last week I had errands in Coeur d’Alene. On the way home, I stopped, got gas and paid $2.86/gallon. Upon returning to Sandpoint, I noticed gas was $3.06-plus per gallon. Why is it that on any given day, gas is $.20 per gallon more in Sandpoint than in Post Falls or Coeur d’Alene?

It appears that the gas station owners in our area are taking advantage of Sandpoint’s “resort” town designation and consumers are being gouged at the gas tank because of greed. I would think that city fathers would have a problem with this ongoing challenge of gas prices differences when separated by only 40 miles.

Gas station owners are giving Sandpoint a black eye and their greed is unfair to our community. I’m all for “buying locally,” but only if merchants are willing to provide the same product at the same price.

Can someone please give me a logical, practical explanation why this occurs? Until then, I will purchase my gas out of the area whenever possible.

MAUREEN TILLBERG

Sandpoint