Odd-even gas rationing of 1979

Jeff Macharyas

Do you remember your license plate number from 1979?

I do. Since mine ended in an odd number, I could buy gasoline on Mondays and Wednesdays. As a teenage driver, I felt that filling up my 1967 VW at 75 cents a gallon was economic hardship enough. When prices soared to more than $1.20 a gallon, I vowed never to drive again!

The Jimmy Carter administration began phased decontrol of oil prices in April when the average price of crude oil was $15.85 a barrrel. Later in 1979, the price jumped to $39.50. This did not boost the supply of gasoline. The result: long lines and rationing, along with short tempers and vows to "never let it happen again!"

TOPICS: Potpourri

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Erik
11/2/2012 4:37:05 PM
I remember. Jimmy carter was a disgrace. He was the worst President in history. If you look at the middle east. It was his policies that are the direct result of the current situation. He could not even send in troops to free the hostages. I watched neighbors being kicked out of thier homes. Interest rates around 20 percent. Habitat for humanity will not save his soul. Hell has a place for that anti American traitor

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