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Gas prices continue climbing across the nation, and here in Erie and across Pennsylvania, the average is already above $4 per gallon.
“If it gets too expensive, I’m gonna get a bike.”
Gas prices are squeezing drivers across the state, and AAA says the pressure may continue through late summer as demand remains high. In Erie, the average sits above $4 per gallon, forcing some travelers to rethink how far their money can stretch.
On Sunday, I met two drivers. Meet Cailyn from Connellsville, Pennsylvania.
She said rising costs are making it harder to get ahead. She’s helping with groceries at home, saving for a new car and spending more just to get to work.
“It’s just rough. I think I spend more on gas trying to get to work to make the money for gas. It takes more money out of my pocket than things I actually need,” Cailyn said.
But not everyone is feeling the same strain. I also spoke with Ronald Simmons. He had just wrapped up a family trip and said gas was nearly 80 cents cheaper in parts of the South.
He plans around fuel costs, using work reimbursements and discount programs like Country Fair’s Cash Card to keep expenses manageable.
“Traveling to other states, you see a difference. In some states, you don’t see a difference. It’s going up, and I don’t know if that’s governed by what kind of state it is, like California or Pennsylvania. But it doesn’t get in the way of traveling. If you’re going to travel, you’re going to travel. You pay the gas prices and plan for it,” said Simmons, an Erie resident.
Most drivers are taking it day by day, hoping prices don’t climb any higher. And if they do, some people may have no choice but to rethink how they get around.