Tom Kondel fills up his tank at D&B Gas Thursday morning following a $.60 increase in prices at the pump.

By Peter A. Sutters Jr.
Independent Writer

Rumors swirled around the island last night about a dramatic increase in gas prices at three of the island's four gas stations causing lines to grow at the pumps as divers sought to get one last tank full of sub-four dollar a gallon gas.

All three of the stations which saw increases are supplied with fuel by Harbor Fuel, which barges it into Nantucket Harbor. On Island Gas gets its fuel delivered by tanker truck, which comes over on the ferry.

This morning On Island Gas on Sparks Ave. was still pumping at below $4 a gallon and the line of cars was spilling out on the street.

"I've got two kids with me and I'm still waiting to fill up before the price increases," said Mary Graves while she waited in line. "I guess i'll be doing a lot of walking from now on."

An attendant at On Island Gas said business was brisk, but offered no other comment.

Hatch's, D&B and Airport Gas all saw increases, with Hatch's at $4.50 for regular, D&B is selling regular for $4.59 and Airport Gas tops the list at $4.64. There was plenty of open pumps at all three of those stations.

Tom Kondel was filling his tank at D&B and after being told of the increase, figured out why the line was so long for gas across the street.

"It's just a matter of time," he said.