PEARL, MS (WLBT) -
Fuel industry analysts expect a sharp increase in gas prices in the metro area and across the country in the next several days.
It's a price jump many motorists don't understand.
James Giles, Pearl Pizza Hut Restaurant manager, like many of us are already trying to stretch our dollars.
"They just want more money, and there's really not more money to be had from people these days," Giles said.
He's found a deal at Mac's Gas in Pearl where according to GasBuddy.com it has the cheapest fuel in the city at $3.41 a gallon.
Petroleum analysts predict gas prices will increase .05 to .20 per gallon by the end of the weekend.
"I know a lot of my drivers are concerned about the price of gas because when they go out on these deliveries they are really relying on the generosity of these people and with the economy being down it's getting harder and harder for them to pay for their gas to get to and from work," Giles said.
Michael Cooper makes it his mission to find the cheapest and best quality gas.
"It hurts. We're on a budget that really for the common people it's kinda hard when gas prices and everything else goes up," Cooper said.
GasBuddy.com found the lowest price in Jackson at the Chuck Stop on Robinson Road at $3.36 per gallon for regular.
In Byram, Texaco offered the cheapest for $3.35 per gallon, a 10 cent difference from nearby fuel stations.
According to AAA, in the metro Jackson area the average gallon is running $3.46, a week ago it was $3.41.
Last month, the price was $3.23, and a year ago we paid 42 cents less on average at $3.02 per gallon.
Eric Griffin remembers that price well.
The lawn care business owner said price hikes affect small business owners.
He has to fill up his truck and three lawn mowers and leaf blowers which are loaded onto his trailer.
"When you tell somebody you need to go up on their price they don't understand that that holds 13 gallons, that mower holds 25 gallons, like I said $40.00-$60.00 dollars every day last year," Griffin said. "It's gonna be worse this year."
While experts predict a rise in prices, consumers are asking why.
"To be completely honest with you I think this is more of a case of people wanting to make more money," Giles said.
To find the cheapest fuel prices in your area click on gas prices on this web site.
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