AMHERST, N.Y. (WBEN)......Williamsville resident Kate was almost philosophical as she was filling her car with 11 gallons of unleaded fuel Wednesday afternnon.
Looking at the nearly $48-plus price tag, Kate just shrugged her shoulders when asked about rising gas prices.
"We have to make it work, we just have to," Kate said.
Kate was referring to the financial balancing act of paying for rising gas prices while dealing with other day-to-day household expenses.
"I' making shorter trips now," Kate said.
Kate is not alone.
Far from it, actually.
According to the AAA of Western and Central New York, the average - per gallon - price of unleaded fuel has risen 39% in the past year. Last October, unleaded went for $3.16 per gallon. Now it is $4.38 per gallon.
"People are very sensitivee when it comes to gas prices," said Elizabeth Carey, AAA director of public relation sand corporate communications. "It really does change people's driving habits."
Across New York state and the U.S., gas prices have risen 41 percent in the past year.
In New York, it went from $3.15 a gallon to $4.44 a gallon while nationally, gas prices increased from $3.07 per gallon last October to $4.33 this year.
The culprit?
President Trump's war with Iran that began during the winter months and has resulted in the Strait of Hormuz - a key travel route for gas tankers from Iran to the western world.
The price of oil - the key ingredient in gas - has risen from $96 per barrel to more than $106 per barrel.
"When oil prices rise, gas prices follow," Carey said.
So what does that mean for average area residents.
"You do have to watch your spending more now," said Darren, a Lockport resident. "It does sting. I'm not spending as much on other things now."
Buffalo resident, Daniel, agrees.
"I definitely noticed it in my bank account," Daniel said.
Ditto for Depew resident, Chris.
"My refrigerator is not as full as it was last year," Chris said.
Locally gas prices have risen 39% in the past year
Locally gas prices have risen 39% in the past year
