Some time in the next month or so, Lock Haven will get a new gasoline station.

So what? (You might ask).

Well, let’s at least hope that the new Gas n Go to be opened by Weis Markets at Bellefonte Avenue and Commerce Street injects more competition here so that prices lower.

Gasoline prices are volatile.

We know that.

We know that global forces tend to dictate the pricing, even though the United States is the top producer of oil in the world.

But little old Clinton County seems to be out on an island when it comes to competitive pricing.

Drive just 20 to 30 minutes south or west and you can find the price of a gallon of gasoline 15 or 20 cents lower than here.

A check on www.GasBuddy.com just in the last day showed:

— Pricing at $3.75 to $3.79 per gallon in Greater Lock Haven.

— $3.41per gallon in nearby Milesburg.

— $3.44 just outside nearby Bellefonte.

— $3.59 in nearby Williamsport.

— $3.58 at nearby Jersey Shore.

It’s the same old argument: Why is gasoline priced so differently in the same general geographic area?

Is it because we’re so rural?

Can’t be, based on the pricing above.

Research the “reasons behind volatile gasoline prices at the pump” and you do not get any consistent or good answers.

One thing we do know: Oil companies are where you should invest.

Consider that oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies and BP are pulling in record profits in the billions of dollars. (Warren Buffett knows.)

We know Pennsylvania has one of, if not the highest, wholesale gasoline taxes in the country. It funds bridge and road work, maintenance and even state police highway patrols.

Oh well. Let’s just end this way … with some levity:

“I was robbed at the gas station today. I called the police and they asked if I knew who did it. Yes, I said. Pump No. 6.”

“I just realized the paper towels by the gas pumps are for wiping away tears after filling your gas tank.”