Gas prices decline, but Rita may send prices soaring

The lines at the Edgewater WaWa and XtraMart yesterday afternoon demonstrated that when money is the bottom line, drivers rediscover patience.

Gas cost $2.69 for a gallon of regular at the stations and others along the same short stretch of Route 2, where a local price war has created a bargain zone compared to some stations in Annapolis still running as high as $2.99.

"I know about this place," said Alvin Glazier of Alexandria, Va., as he filled up his 1997 Toyota Camry at the XtraMart. He took advantage of the prices while checking on his boat in Mayo.

"In the Texaco in my neighborhood, gas is at $3.27. With...