'I'm staying put.' High gas prices frustrate Bronx drivers during Memorial Day weekend
According to AAA, gas prices in New York City are the highest they have been since the summer of 2022.
The cost of filling up is continuing to frustrate drivers in the Bronx during Memorial Day weekend, with some residents saying rising gas prices are forcing them to cut back on travel plans, or stay home altogether.
According to AAA, gas prices in New York City are the highest they have been since the summer of 2022. At one gas station in Soundview, regular gas was selling for more than $4.50 per gallon Saturday.
During Memorial Day weekend last year, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in New York City was $3.17.
Doureima Zongo, who drives an Access-A-Ride bus, which transports people with disabilities, said the rising prices have taken a toll.
“I spend a lot now,” Zongo said.
Zongo said filling his tank from empty to full can cost between $130 and $140 because of the size of his vehicle. Still, Zongo said the Soundview station was cheaper than many others he has seen.
“This is the cheapest, lots of other places are $5,” he said.
AAA says the average price for regular gas in New York City is $4.66 per gallon.
Even so, some drivers said those prices remain unaffordable.
“This is ridiculous,” said Marcos Roman, a Soundview resident who said he no longer fills his tank completely.
“This is not even half... it’s like a quarter,” Roman said while pointing to the amount of gas he purchased.
When asked why he only filled part of his tank, Roman replied, “'Cause it’s expensive.”
Tarek Majumder said he nearly canceled plans to travel to upstate New York for Memorial Day weekend because of gas prices.
“Prices are way crazy... going there and coming back is going to be two full tanks, 100 bucks, supposed to be 50 bucks,” Majumder said.
Others said they decided not to travel at all.
“I’m staying put. I can’t go out nowhere. The gas prices are too high,” said Fidel Rivera.
Some drivers also said the higher prices are creating ripple effects across the transportation industry.
Longtime taxi driver Mohammad Anamul Haque said he has noticed fewer fares as people cut back on spending and travel.
“We lose money in our pockets because fares do not increase, just the gas... if people don’t have the money, we don’t make money,” Haque said.
Some Bronx residents said they are hoping prices begin to drop before the Fourth of July holiday.
