ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Tomorrow morning, Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil will tell us if we’re in for an early spring or six weeks more of winter. And in another February 2 tradition, NACS will release its annual gasoline price education resource kit to help address consumers’ concerns about gasoline supply and prices.

This marks the sixth spring that NACS has developed the enormously popular resources that proactively address many of the issues that could impact the petroleum markets this spring. For the first time, this kit, “Gasoline Prices and the Consumer: Perceptions and Realities,”  includes consumer perceptions about gasoline prices, sharing the results of the 2007 NACS Consumer Fuels Report, a nationwide study conducted in late December 2006 and early January 2007.

“NACS developed these resources so that the media, legislators and the general public can better understand the petroleum industry, especially at the retail level,” said NACS Vice President of Government Relations John Eichberger. “These resources also can be used by retailers who are interested in conducting their own outreach in communicating the issues behind today's higher gasoline prices.”

The first week of February traditionally marks the beginning of the spring transition to summer-blend fuel in the petroleum industry. Over the past six years, gasoline prices have increased an average of more than 30 cents per gallon between the first week in February and the time of the seasonal high price, typically late May. Last year prices increased more than 60 cents in the spring.

“While the circumstances may be different every year, the pattern seen in petroleum markets is eerily similar year to year, and will once again be of concern for consumers and retailers alike in the coming months,” said Eichberger.