Where's the February gas?

Dear Swami:

I saw on the news Monday that the price of oil dropped under $88 a barrel, and that this was the lowest it's been since February. What were we paying for a gallon of gas back then? Was it anything like it is now? My memory is fading from all the bills I have to pay.

The American Consumer

Dear Mr. C:

You are correct, sir -- oil fell to $87.81 on Monday, and the last time it was this low was back on Feb. 6.

And now to your question: What were Lake County residents paying for gas the last time light, sweet crude was under $88? Well, the crystal ball only sees into the future ... but The Swami just happens to save receipts. For exactly these circumstances.

On Feb. 15, 2008 -- nine days after the date in question and four days before oil would hit $100 a barrel for the first time -- one could purchase gasoline for $2.99 a gallon at the Murphy Oil on Waukegan Road in Fountain Square. At 1:47 p.m., to be precise.

In other words, depending on where you get your gas in October 2008, Big Oil still owes us about 50 cents a gallon. Not that any of us will hold our breath.