DOVER, Del.- Stopping at the gas station has become a chore many people dread, with it costing more to fill up lately.
When Nephtari Ortiz stops at the Valero in Dover, he is not putting in as much gas into his car as he used to do.
"Usually half way, gauge it, maybe, maybe next week it'll be lower," said the Magnolia resident. "I don't drive that far, so it's a little bit easier for me."
Ortiz is not the only one being careful with his money at the gas pump.
"It just took about $33 and it's a little bit half a tank, that's ridiculous," Keith Russow said.
According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, the average price of gas in Delaware has jumped 20 cents in a week, and at some gas stations in Dover is more then $3.60 a gallon.
"They have gone up overnight, tremendously," Kathleen Woikoski said.
The increase is being attributed to rising crude oil prices, refinery maintenance and low gasoline supplies. Local business owners who depend on their cars and trucks are hoping for a change soon.
"The prices have went up and now it costs me 36 cents a mile to run my pick up," Lou Clendaniel said.
Higher gas prices means less money in Clendaniel's wallet.
"The profit margin is down so small now that we don't even see it anymore," he said. "There's no profit margin whatsoever."
AAA Mid-Atlantic analysts say gas prices could continue to rise through February.
(Photo: WBOC)
