Pricy gas hurting rural residents most

ORANGE, Mass. (WWLP) - To many drivers' surprise, gas prices spiked overnight to nearly $4.00 per gallon, and it's particularly taking a toll on people who live out in the country.

For many who live in Franklin County or in Worcester County, the daily commute can be 40 or 50 miles. That means they pay almost a hundred dollars to fill up each week.

Experts say that Tropical Storm Isaac is to blame for the recent increase in gas prices, as many refineries in the South had to shut down when the storm made landfall. When the supply goes down, the price goes up.

Many parts of western Massachusetts are now seeing prices around $3.90, and for those who travel far for work, that means making some sacrifices.

“I commute every day, so it's about 30 miles a day. So it takes some money to do that, you have to pay it. I have to have a vehicle, I have to go to work,” Dennis Weatherby of Northfield said. “Cut back on something else: maybe don't go out to eat?”

Many people said that they are in a similar situation where they have to choose between paying for gas or paying for a nice meal with their families.

Some people told 22News that they wouldn't be surprised if the price went up even more to $5.00 per gallon.

To find the lowest prices in your area, check out the 22News Pump Price Patrol .