On Friday, AAA reports the average price for a gallon of gas in Wake County is at $3.76, higher than the state’s average of $3.74 but lower than the national average of $3.84.
The rise in gas prices is still putting pressure on people in the Triangle — especially on professionals who drive for a living.
Truck, taxi and food delivery drivers tell WRAL News the price surge could be a blow for professionals whose businesses run on gas.
Experts say prices could tick even higher if tensions continue between Ukraine and Russia, a major exporter of fuel.
Jose Guzman, the owner of Guzman Moving and Storage in Raleigh, said he’s being mindful of how much time he’s spending on the road.
High gas prices are making it harder for him to run his job. Most of his business comes from within the Triangle, but an out of market trip to Greensboro was a big reality check.
“That’s when it really hit me those gas prices, just to get there was going to cost us in fuel, like $200, which is ridiculous,” he said.
Guzman wants to offset costs without having to increase prices for his customers.
“We’re trying to be as efficient as possible … maybe not bring the bigger trucks out at one time so we don’t have to make multiple trips on any jobs … that can really eat us right there,” he said.
Between Wednesday and Thursday, gas prices jumped nearly 40 cents at some local gas stations.
Gas prices have been climbing for more than a week, but this could be the biggest spike yet.
At a Circle K station on Lake Boone Trail, gas was $3.79 per gallon on Thursday. On Wednesday, it was $3.42.
According to AAA, the average price of gas in Raleigh rose 10 cents since Wednesday, and oil prices are still climbing.
During his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden said the U.S. is taking steps to release oil from reserves in hopes of easing the increases at the pump.
Oil prices are at their highest point in more than a decade. On Wednesday, the average gas price in Raleigh increased to $3.58 a gallon. A week ago, the average price for gas in Raleigh was $3.47
On Wednesday, crude oil prices topped $111 a barrel, the highest in more than a decade.
Impact rising gas prices has on small business
High prices at the pump impact just about everyone, but bring a big blow to businesses that run on gas. WRAL News spoke to drivers and small business owners who say they’ve had to make some tough choices as gas prices increase.
“We have to cut back on days of work possibly,” said James Hays, a small business owner. “But then again, you know, you’re trading one thing for another. So you’re not making money but yet you’re not spending money, so you’re just staying at a level plateau, but you can only do that so long because you have to pay bills.”
Clarence Green, a DoorDash driver, spends up to four hours a day delivering food.
“Gas prices are ridiculous,” he said. “Gotta keep it moving some time, some way, some how. I’m determined.”
You can find the lowest gas prices in your area using the WRAL Fuel Tracker.