If you take a calculator and multiply by 1.04, representing an annual inflation rate of 4%, and do it for each year, you can compare the gas price now with that of the past. The figure 4% is approxomately the "cost of living" increase automatically granted to federal entitlement programs.

          73 cents in 1973 = $2.46 in 2003
          $1.49      in 1992 = $2.48 in 2003

I now pay about $1.89. (US gallon, US dollar)