ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Gas prices across Florida have surged to their highest level on Easter weekend in more than 20 years, straining drivers\u2019 budgets.<\/p>\n
The national average for a gallon of gas has exceeded $4 for the first time in four years, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Iran. In Central Florida, prices are climbing even higher \u2014 reaching $4.22 per gallon ahead of the Easter weekend.<\/p>\n
For many Central Florida drivers, the price hike is hitting close to home.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 70 bucks today. And it\u2019s just a little car. Little tank. When I fill the truck up, it\u2019s over 100 pretty much every time,\u201d Bob Young said.<\/p>\n
Young says the financial strain goes beyond just filling up his tank.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou almost can\u2019t afford to do anything anymore because the gas prices are just ridiculous. I mean, I work a job, I travel. I can\u2019t afford to put gas in the cars anymore,\u201d Young said. \u201cI\u2019ll bet I go through $300 a week in gas budget.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other drivers echoed similar frustrations. David Rawiszer said the math adds up quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, at 4.25, you\u2019re talking about 40 to $60, you know, a 40 to $60 a tank. So it\u2019s significant,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Others braced for a bigger hit at the pump when they stopped to fill up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m guessing 90 maybe to fill up my tank,\u201d Jessica Renteria said.<\/p>\n