Gasoline -- breaking the $2 barrier

There aren't many $2 bills around, but if you ever find one in your wallet, you might be able to buy a gallon of gasoline with it.

Providing you shop around. Most places, you'll have to kick in a couple of those pennies rattling around the cupholder on your dashboard.

According to AAA Nebraska's Daily Fuel Gauge report, city averages are above $2 all around the state, compared to about 25 cents lower a year ago.

The price of crude oil, as usual, is the cause for the price increase. The current price of $53 a barrel is up nearly $20 from a year ago.

Yes, $2 seems like a lot to pay for a gallon of gasoline, but adjusted for inflation, it's not the most we've ever paid. According to the California Energy Commission, the price of gasoline in that state, $1.66 at its peak during a 1981 gasoline shortage, translates to $2.99 in today's dollars. Looking back, that $1.66 seems like a bargain -- or how about the 29.9 cents per gallon we were paying during the 1973 OPEC oil embargo?

But it doesn't do any good to dwell on gasoline prices of the past. There are steps we can take, however, to keep too much of the family budget from being siphoned into the car's fuel tank.

The AAA recommends:

* Avoid hard braking and fast acceleration, and learn to allow your vehicle to coast on downgrades.

* Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your air filter clean.

* Combine errands and avoid long lines at banks, drive-through restaurants and car washes.

* Shop around for the best fuel prices.

* If you see someone drive away without paying, note details like the license plate number and description of car and driver. Drive-off losses have to be passed on to honest customers.