From 1980 to 2005 (25 yrs) gas pretty much stayed between $1 and $2/gal. and rarely fluctuated more than .40/per year with a year or two that changed by .50 to .70/gal between peaks.
From 2005 to 2012 (last 7 yrs) gas has been between $1.60 and $4.40/gal. with annual fluctuations typically changing by $1/year and nearly by $3 in 2008.
When you see it on a graph the last 7 years look remarkably volatile compared to the 25 yrs prior.
