MURRELLS INLET, S.C. — Church-goers and vacationers were flocking to Kroger Sunday at 2939 S Highway 17 Business in Murrells Inlet where the per gallon price was $2.22, comparable to the Hess credit and cash price of $2.22 of Saturday at 4326 S 17 Bypass and Bellamy Ave. and the cash only Saturday price of $2.229 of WestOil further south at 4584 S 17 Bypass and Wachesaw Rd.

However, the credit card price was said to be about nine cents higher per gallon.

Sunday’s prices at Hess were $2.36 for credit and cash purchases and WestOil was $2.32 for cash customers.

High unemployment is keeping downward pressure on U.S. gasoline prices, according to a recent nationwide Lundberg survey, which indicated the supply of gasoline is "far more" than needed, "and our need is paltry."

It said gas demand growth has been arrested by a year-long flat unemployment rate of 9.5 percent.

Kroger prices of $2.22 were further reduced by accumulated grocery store credits, such as a three-cent reduction to $2.19.

Other area grocery stores offer fuel credits for gasoline purchases, such as Bilo "fuel perks" and a Lowe's gasoline purchase incentive program.

Richard Fitzgerald says he’s pleased to be pumping gasoline at Kroger in Garden City for $2.229 per gallon on Sunday.  The Richmond, VA, brought his four children to the Grand Strand to do things parasailing. “Everything I save on gas here will go into parasailing and other activities here for my family,” he said.  “Back home, the gas prices averaged around $2.399 per gallon.”

The Fitzgerald teenagers, all loaded in the family SUV, seemed a happy clan with the prospects of flying in the air like a bird and seeing views of South Carolina that can't be matched, according to Express Water Sports, which offers a parasailing charter service nearby in Murrells Inlet on 12-passenger boats.

Lloyd Mackall

For the Times