Long Island drivers feel strain of rising gas prices
The average price of gas on Long Island has climbed to $4.38 per gallon, prompting concerns from drivers and renewed calls for fuel-saving measures.
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Drivers across Long Island are feeling the impact of rising gas prices as the cost of fuel continues to increase.
According to AAA, gas prices rose 11 cents over the past week. The average price for a gallon of gas on Long Island is now $4.38.
For many drivers, the higher costs are placing additional strain on household budgets.
“Honestly, it's hard to keep up with it. I'm working three jobs just to put gas in my car. It's out of control,” said Zack Fisher, of Port Jefferson Station.
Laura Grzin, of Port Jefferson, said the rising costs are becoming difficult to manage.
“It's Long Island. So everything’s so expensive," Grzin said. "We're just waiting for it to come down. It just can't continue like this anymore.”
AAA Northeast surveyed drivers to determine what gasoline prices cause the most financial discomfort.
“Forty percent have said $3 a gallon, 60% said $4 a gallon, 75% said $5 a gallon," said AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair Jr. "And since we have blown through $3 and $4 a gallon, you know a lot of drivers out there that are suffering as a result of these prices."
Sinclair said diesel prices are even higher, reaching a nationwide average of $6 per gallon for the first time.
AAA recommends several steps drivers can take to improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel costs while prices remain elevated. Make sure engines are running properly, keep tires properly inflated and reduce driving speeds.
“The faster you go, on the highway especially, the more gasoline you burn," Sinclair said. "50 mph is probably the optimum highway speed to save gasoline."
