Local residents frustrated after experiencing pain at the pump
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Jennifer Auh talks to experts and residents frustrated with the rising gas prices in the Treasure Valley. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com
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The average price of gas jumped around 50 cents a gallon in the past month in the Treasure Valley. Now many residents are feeling the pain at the pump.
Nampa Resident Trina Westberg said high gas prices are hitting her family hard. Westberg owns a cleaning business, which requires her to drive to many locations.
"I have to drive to Nampa, Meridian, Boise, Eagle, and Caldwell. With the rise of gas, that means I still have to get to the locations, but that means I have less money for other things,” said Westberg.
Westberg is not the only one who's noticed. “I can't really go where I want to go anymore. You can't get anywhere anymore. I go to school, I go to work and that's all I can do," said Michael Watkins, Boise resident.
AAA Gauge Report shows the average price of gas in the Treasure Valley is about $3.55, and it was only $3 just a month ago.
“I cut way back on my groceries. If I need to buy something for my business like uniforms, I don't,” said Westberg.
Experts said the price fluctuation is not out of the ordinary, but this year, the spike came a bit earlier than in the previous years.
"The refineries have been doing their season maintenance that's in preparation for the moves from winter grade to summer grade fuels," said Dave Carlson, AAA Idaho Spokesman.
Experts predict gas prices should drop by early April. Despite high gas prices here, experts said they're still lower than the national average, which is about $3.80.
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