Increase in gas costs coincides with autumn break

Indianapolis, Indiana – The dreaded trek to the gas station is commonplace for many drivers. “Can’t complain about it,” said Antonio Magsby, “just got to try to deal with it as best as possible and keep it moving.”

On the west side of Indianapolis, near Country Club Road and West 10th Street, regular gas was nearly $4 late on Monday morning. It’s safe to say that some people have almost gotten over their sticker shock. “Wish they weren’t so high, but you know, it’s what we have to deal with,” said Magsby.

According to AAA, the price of regular gas in Indiana on Monday was close to $4.20. About 30 cents less, or $3.91, was the national average.

According to Lisa Wall of the AAA Hoosier Motor Club, the Toledo, Ohio refinery fire that occurred last month contributed to some of Indiana’s soaring rates. “That refinery is expected to be closed for quite some time, and it’s definitely having an impact here on prices here in central Indiana,” Wall said.

Wall claimed that there are just two key causes for the overall impact of gas prices rising across the nation.

“With the recent announcement that OPEC made regarding oil producing companies cutting the amount of oil they’re going to produce, that’s driving the price of oil up to where it’s now $90 a barrel, which is a price we haven’t seen for a little while now,” she said. “In addition to that, gas demand is also up. More Americans were filling up at the pump last week, which could be attributed to fall breaks here and around the corner.”

Wall said it would take some time before there is any relief as long as gas prices and demand are high. “For the people that’s trying to make a living, Uber Eating, got to take the kids to school and things like that, it’s ridiculous,” said Donald Boyd.

One of the drivers we spoke with on Monday was Boyd, who was operating a Hummer. He claimed that the cost to fill his tank ranges from $125 to $130. “I knew what I was getting myself into when I bought the truck, but gas was only $2.19 then,” he said.

Boyd claimed that the high cost of gas is forcing him to rethink his trip plans as Thanksgiving approaches and some colleges and universities have already begun their fall breaks.

“We’re from up north, you know Gary, Indiana, East Chicago, and going back and forth, I want to see my family and friends,” he said. “Back then it was $2.19, one fill up, roundtrip. I’m okay, but now it’s bad. So, we got to go to other things: FaceTime, videos and stuff like that.

“But traveling is out the question.”