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Customers of the Sinclair station on Mankato Avenue reported about 6 p.m. that the station had run out of unleaded fuel, just a few hours after prices fell five cents to $1.69.
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Brenda Koth, of Onalaska, Wis., attempts to fill her sport utility vehicle with gas Friday evening at the Sinclair station on Mankato Avenue in Winona. Customers reported about 6 p.m. that the station had run out of unleaded fuel, just a few hours after prices fell to $1.69. (Photo by Fred Schulze/Winona Daily News) |
A clerk at the station confirmed the station had run out of gas and declined further comment. A handful of customers lined up at the pumps — many with confused looks on their faces.
“I’m, like, what’s going on,” said Shantelle Powell, a Winona State University student. “I didn’t even know they could run out of gas.” She squeezed out 16 cents worth before the pump ran dry.
Brenda Koth was able to get a half-gallon of gas. She couldn’t remember the last time a Winona station ran out.
Gas prices in Winona began the day at $1.74 and dropped to $1.69 about noon. Statewide, prices have fallen $2.29 since July, when prices were at their highest this year.
Crude has been in free-fall, shedding two-thirds of its value since July, and gasoline prices have followed. Some say oil could be headed below $40 a barrel, and gasoline below $1.50. Crude futures closed Friday at $49.93.
The national average gas price fell nearly a dime in the past week and almost 90 cents in the past month. The average price for unleaded is now below $2 in 30 states, according to AAA.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Rawhide wrote on Dec 1, 2008 10:21 PM: