Apr 18, 2006 11:10 pm US/Eastern
Drivers Concerned About Rising Gas Prices
by Brandy Bell
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Travelers are about to feel more pain at the pump as oil and gas prices are on the way up. Oil prices soared to a record high of more than $72.00 a barrel.
In Pennsylvania, a gallon of regular unleaded costs an average of $2.80-a-gallon, while in New Jersey drivers are seeing $2.65-a-gallon. To fill up your tank in Delaware, it will cost an average of $2.73-a-gallon.
As prices continue to increase around the county, many drivers are starting to feel the pinch.
"It is ridiculous, it is too high, way too high," said one disgruntled patron.
Michael Marandola said he is spending at least $60 a week to pay for gas along his own Tastykake route.
"I make my living with the truck and there is no choice but to pay the price," he said.
AAA predicts the pumped up gas prices will continue to soar throughout the summer and will be enough of a jolt to alter some summer travel plans.
"We're rapidly heading towards $3.00 a gallon and I think that we'll probably see prices around this level until the end of the summer at least," said Stephanie Mensch of AAA.
Mench added that tensions in Nigeria, the war in Iraq and the upcoming hurricane season all factor in to the price.
"Gasoline trading is just like trading on any other company in the stock market on the New York Stock Exchange, any news that you hear that could adversely affect, could drive up the price," Mensch said.
Many drivers are scrapping plans to take a trip during the upcoming travel season if gas prices continue to increase.
"We were thinking about heading down to Florida this summer but with these prices, you change your mind real fast," said Timothy Acker of Northeast Philadelphia.
New Jersey Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg are calling on President Bush to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization against OPEC. They want to zero in on price gouging.
"I'd like to bring them before the Energy Committee. Let's have meetings, let's focus on these cartels," said New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez.
AAA officials said drivers should prepare for the increase prices to continue through the fall months. To save money, the suggest drivers avoid speeding, carrying heavy objects in their vehicle and even think about purchasing a more fuel efficient vehicle.
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