MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) — Drivers in Delaware County are feeling the impact of rapidly rising gas prices, with some watching the total climb toward levels they have not seen in years.<\/p>\n
As customers pulled up to the pumps, many paused to stare at the soaring prices.<\/p>\n
“I just got out of my truck and I’m thinking to myself, ‘Is this going to hit $100?'” said Tom Riches of Wilmington.<\/p>\n
Drivers with larger tanks came close.<\/p>\n
Ryan Benson of Media watched the numbers climb as he filled up. He spent $72 to fill half of his tank.<\/p>\n
Others also noticed the difference.<\/p>\n
“Definitely a noticeable difference,” said Madeline Delaney of Media, who said she spent about $10 more than usual. “It was probably closer to $45, I think, usually when I fill up,” Delaney said.<\/p>\n
According to AAA, gas prices in the five-county area around Philadelphia have increased by 42 cents in the past week.<\/p>\n
“That’s big sticker shock for motorists as they fill up,” said Jana Tidwell of AAA.<\/p>\n
AAA and industry experts say violence in the Middle East has driven oil prices to their highest levels in four years.<\/p>\n
“Anytime crude oil prices soar, gas prices follow suit because 50-60 percent of a gallon of gasoline is made up of crude oil,” Tidwell said.<\/p>\n
Chris Kitchens, chair of chemical and biological engineering at Villanova University, said oil prices spiked earlier this week.<\/p>\n
“Earlier this week, oil spiked up to $100 a barrel,” Kitchens said.<\/p>\n
Kitchens said a major reason for the spike is the closure at the Strait of Hormuz, noting that even though the United States does not import oil from Iran, disruptions there have a global ripple effect.<\/p>\n
“20 percent of the world’s oil comes out of the Persian Gulf area. Conflict going on there; it’s going to impact the market, by, you can imagine, 20 percent,” Kitchens said.<\/p>\n
As prices continue to rise, State Sen. Lisa Boscola has introduced legislation to pause gas and diesel taxes for 60 days.<\/p>\n
She said, “When affordability becomes a challenge for Pennsylvania families and business owners, the government has a responsibility to step in and look for ways to help.”<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania’s state gasoline tax is about 57 cents per gallon, one of the highest in the nation. The impact of rising prices and potential relief efforts remains a concern for drivers across the region.<\/p>\n
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