Motorists pay more on holiday
Advertiser News Services
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NEW YORK — Labor Day traffic slowed around the country as drivers lucky to find gas stations open paid more than 30 percent more than before Hurricane Katrina disrupted Gulf Coast refinery and pipeline operations a week ago.
Pump prices are starting to level off, but analysts say the dramatic rise in gasoline costs has forced consumers to begin rethinking everything from vacation travel plans to how much they can afford to spend for other items.
Drivers paid an average of about $3.20 a gallon for unleaded regular yesterday, up $1.35 from a year ago, and 75 cents more than they did before the hurricane, according to AAA.
EU, CHINA REACH CLOTHING DEAL
BEIJING — European and Chinese negotiators reached a deal yesterday to unblock millions of Chinese garments held up at European ports, and China's trade minister said he hoped for an early settlement to a similar dispute with Washington.
The deal would release about 75 million Chinese-made sweaters and other garments held at European ports after they reached import limits agreed to in June by China and the European Union.
VICTIMS GETTING DESIGNER FAKES
WASHINGTON — The Yves St. Laurent and Tommy Hilfiger labels may be phony, but the thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims getting knockoff items seized by federal customs officials probably don't mind. People in the Houston Astrodome can choose from counterfeit and abandoned clothes, toys, and even dog food.
MOST STORM-HIT WAL-MARTS OPEN
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said yesterday that 18 stores still remain closed along with one of its call centers. But that is a major improvement from when Hurricane Katrina hit, closing 126 of its facilities.
The company said that 89 facilities have reported damage with nine having major damage, 41 moderate damage and 39 minor damage or merchandise lost.
The stores represent a minor portion of the world's largest retailer's 3,800 outlets.
