Even if the short academic week that proceeded Thanksgiving was filled with due dates and pre-turkey tests, it seems as though someone was looking out for students. At least at the gas pump.

About a week before Thanksgiving gas prices plummeted to new lows in across the Chippewa Valley and the state, making the commute home a little less hard hitting to the pocketbook.

According to GasBuddy, an online database that tracks gas prices, the nationwide trend first became local about a week before Thanksgiving when the newly opened Woodman’s Market’s gas station dropped their prices. On Nov. 19 Woodman’s prices went from $2.22 to $1.99. Other stations in town soon followed suit.

Drivers in Eau Claire have long griped about the Chippewa Valley’s high fuel prices in relation to the Twin Cities and other places in Wisconsin. However, as of late motorists at the pump have enjoyed paying the same prices as those elsewhere.

In the two weeks since the initial drop, prices at every Eau Claire gas station are down two more cents to $1.97 on Wednesday. Just above the statewide average of $1.94, according to GasBuddy.

Students who filled up before hitting the road last week, whether it was in their own vehicle or chipping in for a carpool, said they enjoyed the prices, but weren’t confident they would stay for long.

Senior Eric Hagstrom said while he is enjoying the gas bargain while it lasts, he doesn’t think this should be used as an excuse to halt the search for more renewable energy sources.

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Eric Hagstrom

“I think that we must be aware that prices will skyrocket in the coming years and in turn we must find alternative and cheaper means of transportation.”

Major: History.

Year in school: Senior.

Mode of transportation: 2009 Red Ford Focus.

Cost to fill up before Thanksgiving: $22.

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Jessica Finman

“It makes it a lot less stressful to drive all the way home when gas prices are lower.” Finman, originally from the Milwaukee area, spent Thanksgiving in River Falls. When she travels home she often uses Zimride to offset the cost of gas, she said.

Major: Integrated Strategic Communication.

Year in school: Senior.

Mode of transportation: 2004 Oldsmobile Alero.

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Logan Wilfong

“I thought, my food budget just got a little bit bigger.” Wilfong said he was amazed when the $50 his parents gave him for gas got him a full tank and grub for the road.

Major: Political Science.

Year in school: Senior.

Mode of transportation: 2007 Hyundai Sonata.

Cost to fill up before Thanksgiving: $30.

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Ben Parmley

“I love (these prices). You’re able to spend money on other things besides just gas.”

Major: Advertising.

Year in school: Senior.

Mode of transportation: Honda Civic.

Cost to fill up before Thanksgiving: $15.

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Derek Baker

“I was happy. I’m pleased Eau Claire prices have gone down recently.”

Major: Marketing.

Year in school: Senior.

Mode of transportation: 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier.

Cost to fill up before Thanksgiving: $20.

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