Maryland Drivers Feel The Impact Of Rising Gas Prices
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Instability in parts of the world is part of the reason why the price of gas is sky-rocketing. Here in Maryland, some stations have already hit $4 a gallon for regular gas.
Weijia Jiang has more on the impact of those prices.
When Eduardo Bustos fills up his tank, he's thinking about where the gas money isn't going.
"We used to go different places, the mall with my kids, to Chuck E. Cheese. Not anymore. Now we walk to the park, all because of gas," said Bustos, Baltimore driver.
Bustos says his wife used to stay at home to take care of their four kids. Now she has to work.
Like many Marylanders, the family is struggling to adjust to prices just shy of the $4 mark.
Last year the state's average for a gallon of regular was $2.84. Last month it was $3.51. Now it's $3.71.
"I've become 10 times more conscious of my trips and basically how I can economize and consolidate my trips," said Natalia Ballestero, Baltimore driver.
Analysts say because drivers are changing their lifestyles, the economy is slowing down and the timing couldn't be much worse.
"Just as many retailers are getting back on their feet, feeling good about the world, department stores and others all of a sudden have to reckon with rising gasoline prices," said Anirban Basu, Sage Policy Group CEO.
Godlee Davis says gas prices even forced some co-workers to lose their jobs.
"I've already had two that have had to resign. With their income not changing, they can't make a commute anymore," Davis said.
Davis— who paid nearly $100 to fill up—plans to buy a new car. It's one of many changes she hopes will leave some change in her wallet.
