FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Gas prices are climbing across the state as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate. In Fort Myers, drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump, with prices rising nearly 60 cents per gallon in just a week.
Julie and Christy Casadon, who rely on Uber Eats and Door Dash for their income, are facing tough decisions.
“If the prices are going up, then it’s like you got to figure out what you’re going to spend it on, and sometimes something may not get paid,” said the Casadons.
The rising fuel costs are forcing them to reconsider their delivery routes.
“The Uber Eats that I do, it takes me all over long distances, sometimes down to Immokalee Alva. It’s just too pricey. It’s too far for that little bit of gas,” said the Casadons.
According to AAA, last week the average gas price in Florida was $2.88 per gallon. Now, drivers are paying at least $3.49 for regular gas.
“I almost clunked out last night because it was so far in between deliveries and the gas, it’s just it’s not equaling up like before,” said the Casadons.
Noah, another driver, shared his surprise at the price increase.
“Typically, it’s about $20 less than what this is. I want to say, probably like 59 – 60 at most. So I just realized it now, like, this is my first time seeing it, so that’s actually wild. Like, that’s, that’s pretty bad,” said Noah.
Both Noah and the Casadons are concerned about the future.
“I mean, I hope it doesn’t get worse than this. I mean, that’s, that’s actually insane. You know, spending the price of a truck for, you know, cars, it’s pretty wild,” said Noah.
The Casadons are adjusting their driving habits to cope with the rising costs.
“Try to limit my driving, make sure I take more important deliveries, more important priority rights, and just, just get there and get back and just, just limit,” said the Casadons.