A possible answer

to high pump prices

Editor, OBSERVER:

Commentary writer Fred Larson inquired last month as to why gas prices are so high in Chautauqua County.

Historically, most gasoline marketed in Chautauqua County has been transported by barge from refineries in Port Elizabeth, N.J., by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo. From there it is transferred to tanker trucks for delivery in Chautauqua County.

Communities along the Erie Canal have long had lower prices than Chautauqua County communities. The extra step in transferring petroleum from barge to truck is the reason for the high prices.

Petroleum shipped from refineries in Warren has been priced competitively to petroleum from New Jersey.

MICHAEL C. BARRIS, Ph.D.,

Fredonia