$2 a gallon for gas?
Look closely at the signs at the pump. You may be getting only a half-gallon of fuel.
That's because some older gas pumps across the country were built at a time when few people imagined $4-a-gallon gas. Those pumps can only post a price as high as $3.99.
Today, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine issued an executive order allowing a temporary waiver for Virginia's gasoline retailers to use a practice called "half-pricing" on older analog pumps unable to register the higher prices.
Recent demand for kits to update or retrofit analog pumps has created a backlog, the governor's office said in announcing the executive order. "Many stations are unable to acquire the kits and get them installed in a timely manner," according to a statement from Kaine's office.
Virginia law requires that pumps reflect the full price per gallon. Without a waiver, stations with certain pumps would not be able to sell gasoline if prices reach $4 a gallon. About 1,800 analog display pumps are still being used by about 840 retailers in Virginia, according to the statement.
The average cost of a gallon of regular in Hampton Roads was at $3.84 today, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, up from $3.03 one year ago. The national average is at $3.96 a gallon, according to AAA.
To qualify for the waiver, retailers must pursue upgrades and clearly notify customers about the half-pricing. The waiver period runs from today to Sept. 30, unless amended or rescinded.
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Half pricing
It's more like having a blanket that is too small for your body, but you can't buy a new, larger one because there is a nationwide shortage and all the stores are out of them. So while you're waiting, instead of cutting off your legs to fit underneath your old one that doesn't fit, you make accommodations, such as curling up into a ball or maybe using a second blanket.
The article says that this is a temporary measure for old analog gas pumps, until the gas station owners can get the required parts to make the prices go over $4.00/gallon, which is unfortunately going to happen sooner rather than later. Without the waiver, those pumps would have to be taken out of service. I really don't see the foolishness of giving small gas station owners an opportunity to stay in business.
Seems like your comment is foolish...
I don't think Kaine is trying to fool anyone with the half pricing. If a station is waiting for the upgrade, then they should still be able to sell their product. I think anyone driving by a gas station and seeing, "2.02" will know that that price is NOT for a gallon. I don't understand why you say Kaine is trying to fool us? Silly comment...
Half-Pricing
Foolish, merely foolish. It's like cutting one foot off one end of a blanket and sewing it to the other end to make it longer. Does Kaine think we're all as stupid as he is?