Marylanders Paying More For Gas Than National Average
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The price of gas is sky-high this Presidents' Day and the nightmare is far from over. Experts say we could be paying $5 a gallon before summer.
Kai Jackson explains what's behind the spike.
Marylanders are fired up over the price of fuel.
You might know what the price per gallon is and you might have an idea of how much it will cost you to fill up but none of that information makes it any easier for Maryland drivers at the pump. Many are frustrated with the rising price of gas and the decreasing amount of money in their wallets.
"Gotta hate 'em but what can you do? I mean, I'm in the transportation business. Everything goes up," said Bill Blakenship.
The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.56. It's higher in Maryland, at $3.61 a gallon. Last month in Maryland, the average was 20 cents lower.
Governor Martin O'Malley is proposing a six percent sales tax on gas. He argues the state sales tax on it hasn't risen in 20 years and says with a transportation budget shortfall, Maryland needs the money for infrastructure.
"If your budget's already really taxed by all the rest of your bills, it's hard to pay more for gas," said Heather Moyer.
Drivers feel like they're between a rock and a hard place where gas prices are concerned but some predict the governor's proposed sales tax on gas won't happen without a fight.
"But I do think that we can fight the governor on the sales tax on this one. I think enough people will speak up and it will not go through," Blakenship said.
A number of state leaders, including Comptroller Peter Franchot, are against raising the gas tax.
