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Stumped at the Pump

May 20, 2013

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Profile America -- Monday, May 20th. Gas prices are a frequent cause for consumer complaint --but at least purchases aren't restricted, as they were beginning this month in 1942. That's when 17 states began rationing gasoline to help the war effort. By December, rationing was nationwide and remained in effect until the end of World War II, along with a national speed limit of 35 miles an hour. Now, there are more than 118,000 gas stations across the country. Each year, they sell $360 billion worth of gasoline and diesel fuel. The average car gets almost 24 miles to the gallon, while SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks get 17½ miles per gallon. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: www.history.com/this-day-in-history
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, t. 1102
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/transportation.html
2007 Economic Census, NAICS 4471
http://www.census.gov/econ/industry/hierarchy/i4471.htm