Gas prices could rise because of Sandy

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Just when we were starting to see some relief at the pumps Hurricane Sandy could cause gas prices to go up.

People were filing into gas stations in Springfield to make sure their tank was full before Sandy hit.

The memories of power outages last year pushed people to the pumps. Charles D'Amor of Longmeadow said, "Yeah it was a little crazy I was running on fumes there for a while but we survived so hopefully a full tank of gas now will carry me through if there are issues."

This is causing an increase in demand. The Springfield gas terminal could be receiving more orders. But even worse, the hurricane could potentially hit six east coast refineries that produce about 7% of the US oil capacity.

Just when gas prices were starting to go down because of the storm they could go right back up again.

The storm threat already has boosted gasoline and heating oil prices.

This has people filling up early and taking more precautions than last time. Kyle Charron of Milford, Connecticut said, "I am concerned about losing power, we tend to lose power during these storms almost every time. But we're a little more prepared this time, I think people are taking this one a little more seriously so I'm hoping we take the right precautions to get power back earlier."

According to AAA gas prices have gone down everyday since October 8th, but that trend may soon be ending.