TOLEDO, OHIO -- The national average for a gallon of gasoline climbed another four cents overnight Thursday to $3.47. So, if you plan on fueling up Friday you'll be paying 36-cents more per gallon than you paid at this time last month.
Unfortunately, rising gas prices is a trend that is not expected to end anytime soon. So, where are they headed? For now, just know that they are going north.
In the Toledo-area, as of Thursday morning, a gallon of gasoline is going for s much as $3.49 and as little as $3.35 in some areas. Those prices are fluctuating by the minute at most area stations.
FIND CHEAPEST GAS IN YOUR AREAAt gas stations nationwide, complaining customers all sound the same. "They're killin' us! They're killin' us," said one driver looking to fill up. "I am out of work and I don't know how long I'm going to afford to live."
The rising prices are not all about the crisis unfolding in the Middle East. With the global economy improving, oil prices have jumped 33% since the end of August, from $75 to $100 on Friday. Libya just put that number over the top.
Tensions escalated further on Friday as forces loyal to Libya's Moammar Gadhafi used tear gas to repel protestors marching on Tripoli. Most of Libya's oil production has been shut down because of the crisis.
Those back in the United States are feeling the effects. "In many parts of the country $4 per gallon is already inevitable because of the high price of crude entering those markets. So, it's possible to see $4.50/per gallon with any supply disruption in Middle East," said oil and gas analyst, Andrew Lipow.
Many customers across the country continue to be increasingly suspicious of the oil companies. "They just use the opportunity I think to make more money."
So, who/what do you blame for the rising gas prices? How much is too much for a gallon of gasoline? Are you cutting back in order to make ends meet? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
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