AUGUSTA, Ga. – As the summer travel season approaches, drivers in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) are already feeling the pinch of rising gas prices.
Motorists in Augusta report that even modest fuel purchases are not stretching as far as they once did.
“Putting $20 in the tank now doesn’t get you nearly as far as it did a few months ago,” noted local drivers Jamal Tank and Jayla Chappelle. “Gas prices are definitely on the rise.”
Chappelle specifically mentioned that refueling her Kia has become noticeably more costly.
“I used to spend $30 to fill up my Kia, but now it’s jumped to $50,” she explained.
Other drivers say the cost of gas is forcing them to make changes in their day-to-day spending.
“I put $45 in my tank a couple of weeks ago, and it didn’t even fill me up, said driver Ni’Asha Harris. “I have to put more in my tank to get where I need to go. I can’t spend money on other stuff.”
For some, gas prices are even affecting workday rountines.
“I have to budget now on my daily lunch at work because of my gas,” said driver Alejandro. “It kind of cut into that.”
As more families prepare for summer travel, drivers say they are thinking more carefully about mileage, travel time and how often they get on the road.
“You’ve got to take into consideration travel time, mileage and gas,” Alejandro said. “It is very difficult.”
AAA says gas prices can fluctuate during the summer months as more people travel. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, compare local prices and budget for fuel before long trips.