FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Jeff Behrens from Fresno spent $135 at the Pilot Travel Center in Madera on Monday morning.

He’s a traveling electrician and construction manager at ReGen Electric and was filling his work truck before traveling up north.

“Weekly, it’s roughly about $800, so that is what, $2,400, $3,200 a month,” he said.

He says, unfortunately, this total only means prices have gone up across the board.

Behrens noticed the impact on the job.

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“Everyone we buy material from, it has been skyrocketing and it’s just insane,” he said.

The impact is also felt at home.

“For one, a lot of grocery shopping to keep prices down as far as eating out but even then, grocery shopping is expensive as well,” he said.

Behrens is not alone.

Americans across the country are seeing prices at the pump, with Californians seeing some of the highest numbers.

“The average will be approaching $6 for regular unleaded, and diesel, on the other hand, will start to close in on $8 and that is a problem,” says Matt McClain, a petroleum analyst with GasBuddy.

McClain says this is the harsh reality until something changes amid the war in Iran.

“It’s a really big back and forth, but the crude oil markets want no part in it and are driving prices even higher,” he said.

Behrens is hoping families can get some relief sooner rather than later.

“These are people, these are my neighbors and just to see everyone struggling is just so sad,” he said. “I know this is one example with gas, but it’s everywhere.”

McClain says these prices at the pump could go up by 5 to 10 cents by the end of the week, depending on what happens in the Middle East.

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