The BNDs local News lead article on Dec. 19, "Gas jumps up to $3.19 after hitting 2012 low of $3.02," quoted spokesman Mike Wright of AAA as saying he was surprised to see prices go up to steeply. He further states, "I have no idea why that would be happening."

Wow, is he really that ding-dong, or is he just covering the tracks of these retail rapists who take advantage of people traveling to Grandma's house or shopping for Christmas gifts? If the same gas in the ground was selling for $3.02 the day before, then do the arithmetic, it's about more profit. Either way it's called, "stick it to the consumer."

Recently a MotoMart spokesman pulled the same shuck and jive in a BND article stating he saw no reason for gas prices to rise because of Superstorm Sandy; the very next day gas went up 15 cents per gallon at all its stations.

It's all about profit; no other retail concern could get away with changing prices at will. If Wal-Mart, big box stores or supermarket chains tried to pull that stuff, they'd be pounded on by the media. Where's the outrage?

Dennis Rodenhofer

Swansea