LOWER-COST GAS? WATCH FOR PRICES AT THE PUMP

While state officials and motorists were scratching their heads over gyrating gasoline prices in Missouri, truckers in France were imposing a nationwide blockade to force down prices at the pump. The blockade ended after six days when the government offered truckers a 5-cent refund on each liter of fuel purchased.

Missouri motorists haven't tried a blockade. Yet. While Missourians are paying about $1.50 a gallon for gasoline, the cost is still cheap when compared to prices in Europe, which are as much as $3 a gallon more.

In the end, motorists in the Show Me State will find ways to make fuel prices more affordable. For one thing, they will look for gas pumps with lower prices. And, in the American tradition, there will be someone willing to sell more gas for less profit.