Brooklyn drivers say rising costs are forcing tough choices as gas prices climb above $4 in NYC
AAA reports city average jumps nearly a dollar in a month
The pain at the pump is getting worse for drivers across Brooklyn as gas prices continue to climb.
Many drivers hoped the spike was an April Fools’ joke when they pulled up to gas stations Wednesday, but quickly realized the increases were real.
“It’s ridiculous,” said Veronica, a driver filling up in Brooklyn.
Drivers say they haven’t seen relief since the war with Iran began in late February. At one gas station in Canarsie, a sticker of President Donald Trump on a pump read, “I DID THAT,” reflecting frustration over rising costs.
“Trump gotta chill bro, drop this gas price because the other day, I just hit $3.79. Now it’s $3.93,” said one driver.
According to AAA, the average price of gas in New York City is now $4.03, up from $3.95 Tuesday and $3.09 last month.
“It’s sky high, though, right? We don’t even have money to eat,” said Kettly Simon.
“It’s affecting my life right now,” Elvis said. “I can’t afford to pay my bills.”
At a gas station on Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie, regular gas was listed at $3.93 and super at $4.73. Drivers said the rising costs are forcing them to rethink summer travel plans.
“Probably going to park up for the summer, hop on the bus,” said Fedora Mayas.
“We was planning to go to Orlando driving, we might as well take the airplane now,” Simon said.
Jet fuel prices are also rising. The International Air Transport Association says jet fuel costs have more than doubled since the conflict in the Middle East began.
The cheapest gas News 12 found was at a Shell station at 1152 Utica Ave. in East Flatbush, where regular was $3.69. The same price was also found at 895 Bedford Ave. in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Drivers looking to save money can slow down, use air conditioning sparingly and remove heavy items from their cars.
