With gas prices reaching record highs on nearly a daily basis, Americans are watching their fuel consumption more than ever before. We are traveling less and buying more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Gasoline prices and supply have taken center stage for the first time since the fuel crisis of the late-1970s and early 1980s.

Until the day comes when we have a reliable alternative to oil-based petroleum, fuel prices will continue to influence every one daily. Many Americans have begun comparison shopping for gasoline similar to the way they have shopped for other goods and services for years.

In the spirit of arming consumers with knowledge, The News has begun printing local gas prices on the front page of each edition. The gas prices are courtesy of GasBuddy.com, a Web site dedicated to informing consumers of local gas prices as reported by the consumer.

Even more gas-price information is available on the News' Web site, www.covnews.com, by clicking on the gas prices link located on the right-hand side of the home page. There is also a gas prices link at the top of the home page to direct readers to fuel prices for Covington, Conyers and East Atlanta.