Monday letters: SC should promote our low gas prices

We have the third-lowest gasoline tax in the country, which contributes to some of the lowest gas and diesel prices in the nation. Instead of increasing the tax, why don’t we use some of our tourism funds to advertise our gas prices?

Billboards on the interstates promoting gas purchases could result in a plethora of benefits. Tax revenues would increase, and merchants would get more customers when travelers get off the interstates to fill up. All we have to do is make sure the people realize they will probably pay more for gas if they don’t fill up here. We have a lot of clever advertising people who could develop the message (we must; the Richland County Council hired some to ensure that everybody is fully cognizant of the penny road tax). Individual gas stations already advertise their own prices, but not that a tank across the next state line is going to cost significantly more.

South Carolina has a lot of advantages (gas status among them), so why not exploit them to the fullest? If this works, then our national advertising could add the “fill up while you’re here” tag as another reason to enjoy our beautiful state. Isn’t it worth a try to see if we can pump up S.C. taxes and revenues without adding another burden to our residents?

This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 8:48 AM.