I've just had my 80th birthday, and I've been reflecting on some of the changes I've seen. When I started driving I could ask for 4 gallons of petrol ( there weren't any serve yourself pumps then), and I could give the attendant £1, and say keep the change. $ gallons today will cost over £36, and I have to serve myself. They keep saying inflation is low, but that doesn't seem low to me. Right now the producer price ines is up over 36%, and that is a more realistic indicator than the retail price index bandied about by the government.
It really does seem to be a way for the super-elite with their hereditary wealth to increase their asset value at the expense of the bulk of the population.
First of all, belated happy b-day!!! Didn't knew you were 80 now dang I thought you're just a teenager based on how you talk. Second of all don't worry as you aren't alone with this issue but the increase in the gas price is one of the hottest issues right now because a lot of us are using it regularly.
In our country, the gas stations here operate entirely differently, unlike to yours and in USA where you can self serve but there is no need for us to tip the gasoline boy because they do have their own salary. Who says inflation is low? The increase in the prices of the goods especially in the gas is one of the indications the the rates go up.