CINCINNATI — With gas prices at a record high, AAA reported some drivers are pushing the limits and seeing how far they can go before the tank hits empty.
What You Need To Know
- A recent AAA report showed some drivers are pushing the limits and seeing how far they can go before the tank
- AAA said there’s been a 20% increase of fuel calls in Dayton, Cincinnati and Toledo since the rise in gas prices
- The high prices are causing some drivers to only fill up a quarter or half of their tank
- Some drivers even said they’ll carpool and charge if prices further increase
On average, Jocelyn Wilks said she gets gas three times per week, and each time she fills up, she gets just enough to get by.
“I have half so I’m going to go ahead and fill it up again before it gets lower than that,” said Wilks. “I can’t afford to fill this tank up.”
She said filling up her tank would cost more than $100. That amount isn’t an option for her.
“You might just have $10 or $15 and then here you are spending practically half to get gas,” she said.
On Friday, Wilks filled up at a United Dairy Farmers on the Westside of Cincinnati. Regular gas cost $5.09 per gallon. It was just $0.03 higher than the state average, according to Gas Buddy.
It’s prices like those that she said make her question if she’ll be able to continue to put gas in her car.
“All I can say, honey, is pray because things are not getting better,” she said.
According to the AAA Club Alliance, there has been a 20% increase of fuel calls in Dayton, Cincinnati and Toledo since the rise in gas prices.
“If you’re a basic member and we bring you a couple gallons of gasoline, we’re going to make you pay for the gasoline,” said Gary Legge, Cincinnati AAA Fleet operations manager. “But we’re not going to make you pay for the service.”
Wilks hopes to not have to make that call. She said if gas prices continue to peak, she’ll have to carpool and charge people.
“Now you’re going to have to ask people ‘do you got a couple of dollars,’” she said. “I used to say ‘no, you don’t have to pay me,’ but now I’m going to look for some assistance.”
