Drivers dig deeper to fill up

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Experts say the pain at the pump is only going to get worse in the weeks and months ahead.

They cite rising tensions in the Middle East as one of the reasons for price increases.

Patrick DeHaan,with Gasbuddy.com, said, "Iran has cut oil exports to six European countries..."

Which means those countries have to get their oil from other markets, markets that also supply the United States. The result, higher gas prices.

"The national average stands about 40-cents higher than it was one year ago, so gas prices increasing across the board," DeHaan added.

Motorist Raphael Charley bought gas in Virginia Beach Wednesday where, according to GasBuddy.com, the average price is $3.45 a gallon.

"It's ridiculous, " Charley said.

Just one month ago, gas in Virginia Beach was as low as $3.27 a gallon. A year ago, gas was $2.98 a gallon.

"It usually takes me $30 to fill up. Now, I'm at $38.50 to fill up. So four times a week it starts cutting a little bit," Trey told WAVY.com as he filled up.

Charley asked, "Who can afford such thing?"

Big East Coast refineries shutting down and increased demand for gas in Asia will only make matters worst.

John Hofmeister, the former president of Shell Oil, said, "We are right on the threshold of high gas price volatility and we'll see it spike sooner than later."

On Feb. 15, gas prices in Hampton Roads ranged from $3.35 a gallon to $3.54 a gallon.

GasBuddy.com predicts a national average of nearly $4 a gallon by Memorial Day.

Charley said, "Summertime we tend to go out more, but if it gets to high we'll be staying indoors."

Higher gas prices could do more than just strain personal finances. Analysts say they could threaten the economy's struggling recovery.

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