Gas prices are on the rise here in Hawaii and on the mainland, and analysts say don’t expect a relief at the pump anytime soon.
Neighbor island drivers have been paying at least four bucks a gallon for some time now.
But now on Oahu, almost every gas station has surpassed the four dollar mark.
On Oahu, the only places where you’ll find gas for under four bucks is Costco, Sam’s Club, and on military bases.
Costco Iwilei is charging $3.96.
It was pretty empty Monday night.
Either people filled up during the day, or perhaps there’s not enough of a price difference with other gas stations to make them drive the extra distance.
According to www.hawaiigasprices.com, you can still find gas for under $4.10.
The Chevron gas station on Piikoi Street is charging $4.08, but just across the street, the 76 gas station is charging $4.15.
Ivan Basque was initially planning to go the 76 station, but came to chevron when he saw it was seven cents cheaper.
"It takes about $100-$110 to fill up, and every two days it’s about $40," said Ivan Basque of Kalihi.
Hawaii has the most expensive gas in US with a gallon of regular at $4.23 — almost 50 cents more than a year ago.
The national average is $3.56, up from $3.16 a year ago.
So why the spike?
"Because Iran is looking to cut off oil to the UK and France, and China has used more oil than ever before," said Steven Bouchey, Bouchey Financial.
And analysts say. get ready to pay even more.
"Now all of a sudden we’re approaching four and moving on up to five dollars a gallon. That will really change people’s habits on how they drive," said Bouchey.
But for people like Ivan, he can’t drive less or get a smaller car.
"In the business I’m in, electrical business that’s all we need," said Basque.
And this is what his 40 dollars just bought him — less than ten gallons.
"Fill up every so many days so it doesn’t hurt as much," said Basque.
Analysts say the surging gas prices may not only hurt consumers, but also the economy as a whole.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
