Durham drivers look for ways to cope with sticker shock at the pump
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Drivers are feeling the impact of rising gas prices in a very real way at the pump.
"Forty dollars used to fill the tank up. Now, forty dollars is less than half," said Maximus Diaz.
At a Sheetz gas station along North Duke Street in Durham, Diaz said every trip to fill up now comes with sticker shock.
"Excruciating. Terrible. I don't want to leave the house," Diaz said.
He's not alone.
RELATED | Try these tips to save on gas as fuel prices soar
Other drivers told ABC11 that filling up their tanks feels like a major financial hit. It's almost like adding another bill to their monthly expenses.
"The other day, it cost me $100 to fill it up. Luckily, this one takes flex fuel, which is the least expensive one," another driver said.
According to GasBuddy, the national average for gas is $4.50 a gallon. That's the highest it's been since July 2022.
"Just kind of waiting for it to end and go back down," said Jordan Moore.
Prices just keep climbing, with little relief in sight. Moore said he's had to change how he fills up.
"I actually do drive a lot. I just don't spend as much money as I should to fill up. I just fill up what I need for the week," Moore said.
For some, the rising costs are even sparking thoughts about life without a car.
"I want to get a bicycle, a skateboard ... a Segway," Diaz said.
But for those who rely on driving every day, there's little choice but to keep paying what has become an increasingly expensive cost of getting around.
