Gas prices surge across Philadelphia area as drivers feel sticker shock

MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) — Drivers across the region are feeling the impact of rapidly rising gas prices, with some watching the total climb toward levels they have not seen in years.

As customers pulled up to the pumps in Delaware County, many paused to stare at the soaring prices.

“I just got out of my truck and I’m thinking to myself, ‘Is this going to hit $100?'” said Tom Riches of Wilmington.

Drivers with larger tanks came close.

Ryan Benson of Media watched the numbers climb as he filled up. He spent $72 to fill half of his tank.

Others also noticed the difference.

“Definitely a noticeable difference,” said Madeline Delaney of Media, who said she spent about $10 more than usual. “It was probably closer to $45, I think, usually when I fill up,” Delaney said.

According to AAA, gas prices in the five-county area around Philadelphia have increased by 42 cents in the past week.

“That’s big sticker shock for motorists as they fill up,” said Jana Tidwell of AAA.

AAA and industry experts say violence in the Middle East has driven oil prices to their highest levels in four years.

“Anytime crude oil prices soar, gas prices follow suit because 50-60 percent of a gallon of gasoline is made up of crude oil,” Tidwell said.

Chris Kitchens, chair of chemical and biological engineering at Villanova University, said oil prices spiked earlier this week.

“Earlier this week, oil spiked up to $100 a barrel,” Kitchens said.

Kitchens said a major reason for the spike is the closure at the Strait of Hormuz, noting that even though the United States does not import oil from Iran, disruptions there have a global ripple effect.

“Twenty percent of the world’s oil comes out of the Persian Gulf area. Conflict going on there; it’s going to impact the market, by, you can imagine, 20 percent,” Kitchens said.

As prices continue to rise, State Sen. Lisa Boscola has introduced legislation to pause gas and diesel taxes for 60 days.

She said, “When affordability becomes a challenge for Pennsylvania families and business owners, the government has a responsibility to step in and look for ways to help.”

Pennsylvania’s state gasoline tax is about 57 cents per gallon, one of the highest in the nation. The impact of rising prices and potential relief efforts remains a concern for drivers across the region.