Students finish examination of local gas prices; Final report ex - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Eau Claire (WQOW) - College students have turned in their homework on local gas prices.

An Eau Claire city council member requested a study of the market after hearing complaints from constituents for years.  Dave Duax says a group of four or five students from UW-Eau Claire examined market information and turned in what they learned to their professors.  Duax says their full report should be completed by early October.

Last year, a Department of Justice investigation showed no evidence of price fixing in the area.  In that report, one large retailer told investigators the price is usually higher in the Eau Claire area because the cost of gas to the retailer is higher at the tanks in Chippewa Falls.  The retailer said if a business doesn't buy from Chippewa Falls, it would have to go further to get their fuel, but any cost savings would be negated by the transportation cost.

Right now, drivers near the tanks in Chippewa Falls are paying anywhere from $3.84-$3.89/gallon.  In Ladysmith, about 40 miles from the tanks, drivers are filling up for $3.70. 

According to the state's Department of Administration, there are 11 terminals throughout the state.  That office says a convenience store in Ladysmith would most likely get its fuel from the Chippewa Falls terminal.