Gas Prices

I’m amazed at all of the people who have written to The Times about the high cost per gallon of gasoline. There is actually a very simple answer to the problem. It is called “lack of competition.”

Remember when there were two or three gas stations on the corners of many intersections? In the past few years probably 75% of gasoline stations have gone by the wayside. We are now at the mercy of the remaining stations that know they have a product we must have and unfortunately have to pay what they are asking. More’s the pity.

CHARLES CHRIST

West Hollywood

* To those complaining about gas prices, take a look at any of those birthday cards remembering one’s birth year. I recently received one for 1945 when a stamp was 3 cents (now 32 cents); milk was 16 cents (now $1.20); bread was 9 cents (now $1); minimum wage was 40 cents (now $5.15); and a house was $10,131 (now $180,000). Gasoline cost 21 cents a gallon, including 6 cents tax, compared to today’s price of $1.40, including 47 cents tax. Do the math and decide which are the bargains.

RICHARD C. MORSE

Palos Verdes Estates