Somerset —
We haven’t heard anything official yet, but Iran’s threat this week to block the Strait of Hormuz was an uncomfortable reminder of the early 1970s when an Arab boycott caused a nationwide gasoline shortage.
Even the possibility –– the U.S. Government initially declined comment –– a threat to shut off one-fifth of the world’s oil supply makes Big Oil nervous, and those folks calm their jitters by raising the price of oil. Oil topped $100 a barrel after the threat.
And, with that happening, before you can say “fill’er’up,” gasoline at the pump likely will jump in price. It goes up in generous increments, but the price comes down a stingy penny at the time.
The narrow Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most, if not the most strategic strait of water on the planet. Through its waters, in giant ocean-going tankers, passes much of the oil from Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Bordered by Iran, Oman's Musandam Peninsula and the United Arab Emirates, this stretch of water is of obvious military significance, and subsequently, the U.S. Navy and others patrol its waters.
Iran allegedly has said it will block the strait if the U.S. and others attempt to stop its sale of oil as part of increased sanctions in an attempt to halt the country’s nuclear ambitions.
Most folks in their middle age remember gasoline shortages during the early 1970s. The scarcity was caused both by an Arab boycott and U.S. government regulations, including price controls.
Many service stations closed because of the shortage and stations with lights on sometimes had empty pumps. At one point, motorists were only allowed to buy 10 gallons at any stop. Prices at the pump, ranging from 43 cents a gallon for regular to 47 cents for ethyl, were beginning a rise that eventually would top $4 a gallon.
Gasoline shortages during the 1970s were not unprecedented. Thirty years earlier, during World War II, strict gasoline rationing made it almost impossible to fill your tank. Nationwide gasoline rationing went into effect November 1, 1942.
Nonessential drivers got an “A” book, limiting them to 32 gallons over a two-month period.
Motorists with essential occupations got a “B” book that allowed them to drive 470 miles a month if they could prove they were members of a car-sharing club.
A “C” book was given to most-essential drivers, those involved in war industries.
Worse, at least it would seem so, there was a nationwide speed limit of 35 miles an hour. That’s right, 35 miles an hour designed to save both gasoline and wear and tear on tires. Today’s interstate and parkway speed limit is 70 mph, apparently meaning if you go slower you’ll likely get run over.
Before the war, during the 1930s, gasoline sold for 17 cents a gallon. It was 25 cents a gallon during the 1950s, and, all the while, an attendant would check the oil, wipe the windshield and give you a starter on a set of dishes.
At today’s self-service pumps, a photograph of a state trooper stares as you pump. A printed reminder says if you pump and run, your driver’s license will be revoked.
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Related Photos
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Worries about a possible disruption of oil supplies from the Middle East and resulting higher gasoline prices remind of previous gasoline shortages in our history. The above photo shows a typical Somerset-area service station during the World War II era when gasoline was rationed. Pump prices at that time were about 18 cents a gallon. Photo courtesy Rogers Photography
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Business booming for new liquor store
Five liquor licenses were approved for Somerset and the third store to open was this past week.
Called "First Stop,"the new package store it is located on the west side of U.S. 27 between lights 20 and 21, which is a little north of TSC Tractor Supply. The owner is Charlotte Perdisaris and the manager is Michael Scott.
Perdisaris has been working on getting the store ready for a number of months but was delayed by the shipment and installation of a large 10 x 20 foot walk-in cooler that lines the back of the shop. Otherwise, she thought they could have opened much earlier and, perhaps, have even been the first to open.With such a large cooler, they have a large supply of beer and wine in it to choose from. As to other spirits, they have a large variety of brands, especially high end brands such as Crown Royal and R&R. In addition, they have beer singles on ice. At this time, they are the only local liquor store selling beer in kegs.
First Stop is the last liquor store to open that is locally owned and operated. The remaining two licenses are to drug store retailers. -
Scenic new trails opened at Pulaski County Park
Despite a rainy last several days, outdoor enthusiasts couldn’t help but play in the mud a little this weekend in celebration of the grand opening of biking and hiking trails at Pulaski County Park.
“We’ve been working on this .. for about four years,” said Pulaski County Judge-executive Barty Bullock to a crowd of around 50 people gathered at the head of the new trail at the park. “ ... It’s been such a good project.
“We think it’s going to be a huge asset to this community,” added Bullock.
The essence of the trail has existed at Pulaski County Park for decades as an Eagle Scout Trail. The newest trails, are almost 9 miles long, with five of those miles dedicated to biking.
The trail is built to the standards of the International Mountain Biking Association, a worldwide network that brings together serious bicycle enthusiasts. -
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