Oct. 10--Reaction to yesterday's front page article, "Gas Pain," which showed how Pulaski County residents pay as much or more than 50 cents per gallon more for gas compared with neighboring cities has been swift and irate.

"We've received more than 100 calls today from that area," said Shelley Catherine Johnson, deputy communications director for Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway.

Johnson was talking about calls from Pulaski County to the state Consumer Protection Division's gas price gouging hotline. The hotline phone number, 1-888-432-9257, was published as a public service on the front page of yesterday's Commonwealth Journal. Customers who feel they are being gouged at the pump may also e-mail their complaints to Conway's office at:

gaspricecomplaints@ag.ky.gov

"Until investigations are complete, there's really not much we can say. ...We are aware of the situation and we're looking into it," Johnson noted.

There also has been a marked drop in price at Pulaski County gas pumps. Within the last 24 hours, prices in the county have fallen about 18 cents a gallon from an average of $3.59 per gallon Wednesday afternoon, to $3.41 a gallon as of press time. However, the average price here continues to soar well above the price in Lexington where the cost at some stations has dropped below $3 per gallon -- more than 40 cents less per gallon than in Pulaski County.

The Commonwealth Journal received several responses from readers concerning yesterday's story. Alyce Grover of Eubank wrote:

"Well FINALLY...this paper addressed a local problem too long ignored -- gas gouging.

"What is missing from the story are those responsible for the outrageous and greedy prices. Who are the franchise owners, managers, or those otherwise responsible for the local rip off? That's what I want to see. Hold the right ones responsible."

Darrell Vance wrote:

"Thank you for your article concerning the subject 'Gas Pain.' It may be long overdue, but certainly needful.

"I check 'Gas Buddy' every day in the Lexington Herald and concur that this county is always 30 to 50 cents higher. One place in Lexington was $2.99 this morning.

"Perhaps your paper might consider running the 'Gas Buddy' on your front page and help us secure a little equilibrium among those that hold us hostage.