Gasoline, oil prices surging again

Tuesday, June 13, 2000 | 11:11 a.m.

Higher gasoline prices are taking a financial toll on several Nevada transportation companies, which have been granted rate increases of 10 percent or more.

The Transportation Services Authority last week unanimously approved increases for four companies. Four more notified the TSA they intend to raise rates by 10 percent or less, which doesn't need the agency's approval.

Kelly Pister, a financial analyst with the TSA, said most of the companies requesting increases are in Northern Nevada, where the cost of fuel has gone up more dramatically than in Southern Nevada.

The AAA of California said Reno gasoline prices hit an all-time high in April when the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel hit $1.82. The average fell to $1.72 a gallon in mid-May and $1.70 a gallon statewide. The national average was $1.49 a gallon in May and April.

The TSA approved increases of more than 10 percent for A-1 Cab of Fallon, D&S Tow Inc., Sparks, and Lostra Brothers Towing and Wreck Recovery Service, Elko. Quality Towing, Las Vegas, also received permission to raise rates by more than 10 percent because it is adjusting all rates by category and its charge for third-party tows was above the 10 percent threshold.

Increases of 10 percent or less are planned by Whittlesea Checker Cab Co., Reno; Capital Towing, Carson City; and Bell Transit and Custom Towing, both of Las Vegas.

Some bus companies that operate interstate charters raised rates in February and March.

The TSA also approved a rate reduction for apartment moves for Lawrence-Mayflower Moving & Storage Co., Las Vegas.