Maryland drivers react to surging gas prices amid war with Iran
As the war with Iran rages on, drivers in Maryland and across the country are feeling the pain at the gas pumps.
The average price of gas in Maryland is $3.24 per gallon, as of Thursday, up 13 cents from Wednesday, and 27 cents from a week ago, according to AAA.
Just a month ago, the average gas price in Maryland was at $2.99 per gallon.
"I knew I had to fill up today so it didn't surprise me when I got here," said Harford County resident Kevin Langenfelder.
"I'll keep pumping gas no matter if it goes up, however much it goes up," said Shawn Donley, from Harford County.
Many drivers on social media told WJZ their gas stations had gas prices increase by as much as 40 to 50 cents per gallon this week.
"Up 30 cents, more like it," said David Mac. "I drive for a living. It means about 100 more a week."
"Up 40 cents in two days in Jarrettsville, Bel Air, Cockeysville," said Debbie Litchfield.
"Went up 40 cents in Linthicum area," added Larry Shearer.
The average cost nationwide for gas jumped to $3.25 per gallon on Thursday, which had been at $3.19 on Wednesday. Last year at this time, the national average for gas was $3.10.
"Outrageous. It's ridiculous, especially where we're at right now," said Harford County resident Dayvon Smith. "There's already a lot of stuff, apartment prices are already high on top of gas prices making it worse."
Why are gas prices soaring?
Prices at the gas pumps are being impacted with oil prices surging amid disruptions to global shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategically vital waterway that connects to the Persian Gulf that handles 20% of the world's oil supply.
Joshua Shifrinson, who teaches international policy at the University of Maryland, said the route has virtually shut down because some of Iran's retaliatory attacks have been aimed at oil vessels, which means Americans should brace for higher prices at the pump.
"There still may be enough supply, but we're gonna see markets speculate on this and that's going to cause the price of gas and heating oil in the U.S. to grow," Shifrinson said.
And since the conflict between the US and Iran started, the price of crude oil has risen to $76 per barrel, according to AAA.
Iran is one of the world leaders in crude oil production, which is directly correlated to 60% of what consumers pay at the pump, according to AAA.
"While we don't predict gas prices and what they may do, it's certainly a fluid situation, and we know that if the price of crude oil continues to rise, it is quite likely that we will see gas prices follow suit," said Ragina Ali, a spokesperson for AAA.
"I have to be out on the road"
Drivers say that no matter what the gas prices are, they still have to use their cars to get to work and make a living.
"You got people like us that just want to work and try to make a living, but we've got people that make decisions for us and we can't really control it, so the best thing to do is just work harder and face the consequences," Smith said.
"Unfortunately, I'm in sales and no matter what I do, I have to be out on the road," Langenfelder said.
"I just be cheap," Smith added. "I put like $10 in my tank and try to not drive, and when I drive I just try to make it short."
AAA recommends to make sure your tired are fully inflated, drive 5 to 10 mph slower on the highway and carpooling if possible to avoid high costs at the pump.
