The following appeared in the Rock County Herald on February 8, 1924:
PRICES OF GASOLINE GIVEN ANOTHER BOOST
Standard and Independents Act in Unison in Boosting Prices 2 cents Throughout Northwest
SECOND 2-CENT RAISE MADE IN LAST 30 DAYS
Prices Now Near Peak in Minnesota—Rise In Price of Crude Oil Cited As Cause of Increase
Cost of gasoline to users throughout the Northwest took another jump Tuesday. This time the increase was two cents, making the selling price at service stations in Luverne 20.8 cents per gallon for what is known as common, and 23.8 cents per gallon for high test.
This brings the price well up towards the high peak of 24.8 cents per gallon for ordinary gasoline, which prevailed before Gov. McMaster, of South Dakota, threw a monkey wrench into the oil interests game of grab, thereby starting the gasoline price war in South Dakota that was reflected in other states.
This is the second increase in price put on gasoline within the past month, both increases being on a two cents a gallon basis, so that at present, the oil industry is picking up.
At Sioux Falls, where the reduced price war waxed the warmest, an increase of six cents a gallon was slapped on gasoline last week, and the general two cents a gallon increase was added this week, bringing the selling price up to 23.5 a gallon for common.
Independent dealers followed the lead of the Standard Oil Co. in adding the increase, which also applies to tank line deliveries. Independents sought to explain their actions by higher quotations at the refineries, and partly because still higher prices are anticipated with a stronger price for crude oil.
It is stated that Pennsylvania crude oil has been advancing at the rate of about 25 cents a week, and that western crude that sold at 60 to 80 cents in October is now sold at close to $2.50 per barrel. It is further claimed that while gasoline could be bought last week at the refineries for 11.5 cents, the price this week is 12.5 cents.
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.