If politicians really want to help the economy, maybe they should scrutinize the pricing, or rather the gouging, of gasoline prices.

Gas price gouging has become so commonplace, people are unfazed by the high prices and reluctant to report it to the state website as it seems to bring no results. The middle class is slipping into a lower economic standing, and yet it has just been reported that Exxon made a $40.6 billion profit.

I would like to know how much the fuel merchants are able to legally profit on each gallon of gasoline sold. Cayuga County has opted to reinstate the county tax on gasoline because local lawmakers didn't feel it made much of a difference in the gas prices, but they must live in a small world and only travel between Auburn and Onondaga County.

I live in the southern-most end of Cayuga County, and usually travel once a week to the Southern Tier (specifically Endicott) to visit family and work at a family business. I've noticed there is a great disparity in gas prices in the Central New York area.

When preparing to travel anywhere, especially in the winter, I like to ensure my gas tank is topped off. I converse with family and check the Internet for the best current prices in gasoline in the areas I travel.

I have no problem with seeing a few cents difference in price, but more than 20 cents difference per gallon is ridiculous.

The price of gasoline on Jan. 31, in Moravia, was $3.299 per gallon. The price on Jan. 30, at Lakeside in Union Springs was $3.189. The price in Endicott, on both days was $3.089 per gallon. I'll let you guess where I filled up.

I know that many people from this area don't usually travel to the Binghamton area, but if you are going to make a day of shopping and possibly dinner, a trip to Endicott is no further than a trip to Syracuse for anyone living in the Southern Cayuga County area.

Coincidentally, if you use diesel fuel, the pricing situation is reversed. The price of diesel fuel in Groton, is 20 cents per gallon less than it is in Endicott.

You figure it out.

Penny Brewster

Moravia