Internal debate: Does Birmingham benefit from cheap gas?

Area stations offer gas for less than $2/gallon, lowest since 2009

Motorists, start your pumps.

BirminghamGasPrices.com reports that four stations in the Birmingham area have gas under $2 per gallon. Prices haven’t been this low since early 2009.

• $1.89/gal.: Marathon, near the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
• $1.95/gal.: Anis Food Mart, Bessemer
• $1.96/gal.: Citgo, Bessemer
• $1.99/gal.: Mystik, Ensley Highlands

The debate: Are low gas prices good for Birmingham?

Pro: Birminghamians need all the economic help they can get in a sluggish economy.

Con: Short-term economic benefits could cost residents in the long run: pollution, traffic, health problems.

Pro: Most stations are locally owned … shop local.

Con: Stations typically make their money on big markups on food and beverages.

Pro: Lower income workers will benefit the most from cheap gas.

Con: Fixing public transit would benefit more people overall.

Pro: Families won’t have to choose between filling the tank and other necessities.

Con: Low gas prices encourage purchases of SUVs and gas guzzlers.

Pro: Alabama makes those gas guzzlers!

Pro: People will drive more.

Con: Rush hour jams will be even worse.

Are low prices at the pump good for Birmingham? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Photo: Riza Nugraha (CC)

Posted: Friday, December 26, 2014, 11:18 pm, in B'ham, Commerce.
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