Petro Patrol

We were gaining confidence. Finally.

For eight weeks, gas prices were on a steady decline, and the arrival of a reasonable gas prices seemed right around the bend.

And then, we woke up.

Gas prices are back up this week. The increase isn't much -- 4 cents -- from $3.69 last week, to $3.73 per regular gallon of gas-- the same price it was only two weeks ago.

Gas prices over the last last two years have rivaled the see-saw precariousness of the stock market. And, like the stock market, probably have more to do with speculation and very little, if anything, to do with supply and demand.

The cheapest gas prices right now in the Bed-Stuy area are at the Hess Station on 1885 Atlantic Avenue, for $3.69 per gallons of gas.