I am writing regarding the excellent letter to the editor by Mr. Jim Rioux (Sept. 2), concerning the pricing practices of our Maine gas stations. I, too, have wondered how gas stations can increase their prices without receiving another fuel delivery.

On the day after Hurricane Katrina, the five gas stations on Minot Avenue in Auburn, who incidentally usually increase their prices in unison, raised their prices by 30 to 40 cents per gallon. The next day, they raised them again by another 30 to 50 cents, the highest being $3.39 per gallon.

Did they all get deliveries of gas two days in a row? I don’t think so. I’m sure we would all like to hear from gas station owners, explaining their pricing practices.

We expect to be gouged by the big oil companies, the modern-day robber barons. We don’t expect to be ripped off by our local merchants.

Kenneth Hewitt, Minot