By ADAM P. BARR

Staff Writer

National gas prices reached $2 a gallon this week as experts predict record costs at the pump.

Gulf Coast prices, including Louisiana, are still the lowest in the nation, at an average of $1.968, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Citgo U-Pak-it, on Tech Drive, is at $1.999 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline Janet Marshall, manager of U-Pak-it, said.

"Expensive gas has caused sales to drop by 10 percent," Marshall said, "And it also hurts the stores inside sales."

Oil prices are rising because demand is rising, Dr. Edward O'Boyle, an associate professor of economics, said.

"For right now students are going to have to pony-up the money at the pumps," O'Boyle said.

Crude oil prices are up because of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, O'Boyle said.

"OPEC is a cartel," O'Boyle said. "And they control the supply of oil."

OPEC has wanted to calm prices of oil and has increased its production ceiling to a record 27.5 million barrels per day, according to the Energy Information Administration.

"If prices continue as they are now, then starting from next week we will start our discussions," Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, the OPEC president and energy minister of Kuwait, said.

O'Boyle said China and India's increasing demand for oil is hindering the supply for crude oil.

"If prices keep rising, the nation will have to reduce its demand for oil by driving less or using more fuel efficient vehicles," O'Boyle said.

Tabitha Baxter, a freshmen medical technology major, said gas prices are obviously rising.

"I commute from Vidalia, which is about two hours from here," Baxter said "And it is getting expensive."

Ryan McNiel, a freshman aviation major, said as gas prices move upward, those who drive big sport utility vehicles will have to limit their driving.

"I drive a gas guzzler and the pump prices are starting to take a real effect on the amount I drive," McNiel said.

O'Boyle said the nation must complain to get the prices at a reasonable level.

"Prices will only get worse as traveling during the summer will increase and therefore so will demand."