PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – An unwelcome sight to consumers and commuters has been the recent increase in gas prices.
As the war in Ukraine continues to evolve, experts say the cost will continue to rise.
Checking gas prices around South Florida on Monday, many are well over the $4 mark.
While some prices for gas are still under by a cent or two, the state average toppled that mark overnight with prices like $4.09, $4.19, and even as high as $4.39 at some South Florida locations, prices we haven’t seen since 2008.
“I don’t think I ever paid that much for gas,” said local driver Melanie Malabett.
According to AAA, during the first week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the price of regular gas rose by almost $0.41.
Experts say it’s an issue of global supply and demand, and with Russia being the third largest oil producer in the world, with new sanctions and regulations in place, its impacting Russia’s ability to introduce oil into the market.
“You have countries that rely on Russia oil that are now having to turn and find that oil somewhere else, and so that is what is really causing oil prices to skyrocket,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins.
For consumers, a rise in prices at the pump is never good, but for PumpTronics Equipment Maintenance owner Robert Rodriguez, who focus on gas pump maintenance, he says he’s now losing work.
“I hope it goes down so I can get back to business,” Rodriguez said. “What they do is they hold out on the money to make repairs and it hurts a little bit.”
For others like John Nash, who lives on a fixed income, paying more at the pump is something he just can’t afford. What worries him is that he knows the prices were are seeing now are continuing to rise.
“I think we need to step up our efforts to get this war over and get back to normal,” said Nash.
Experts are anticipating another $0.10 increase in the coming days.
To try and save, experts suggest paying attention to your driving habits, and to pay attention at the pump.
Some gas stations charge more when you pay with a credit card rather than paying with cash.