ON THE STREET

This week the Southeast Missourian asked, "What do you think is the reason for the increased price of gasoline?"

Rachael Lintz, Cape Girardeau

"Just so the oil companies can make more money."

Ann Hirschfield, Cape Girardeau

"Possibly because gas stations are having to pay more for oil. From what I understand ... the environmentalists (are) shutting down companies around the country. We're not producing any oil, we're getting it from foreign competitors."

Dale Bell, Anna, Ill.

"I think it's probably the colder weather we had. That sounds reasonable to me. I think the colder weather we had is a good reason for them to raise the price."

Barb Deimeke, St. Louis

"Various reasons. The cold winter ... people probably used up a lot more fuel than expected. Anticipation of the market being glutted ... They're going to cut down on the embargo on (Iraq) and he gets to get into the market now. So they're worried about his oil coming in so they're trying to make more money from that before he actually walks in the door. It (the price) always goes up in the summertime."

Charlie Westrich, Cape Girardeau

"Demand is up, supply is down. It's just that simple. The spring is here, the farmers are using more, people are using more. Environmental regulations have taken some refinery production off line. The world economy is up and economies need oil."