Mass. gas prices on the rise

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield area drivers say they're concerned about the sudden surge in gas prices.  At some service stations the price has gone up as much as 25 cents during the past week.

Dorothy Kender told 22News she drives to Springfield from Bloomfield, Connecticut every week to take advantage of the relatively low prices on this side of the state line.

She was shocked by the substantial increase in just one week.

“The last time I was here, I paid $3.45 for the gas I want to turn around and go back,” Dorothy Kender said.

Driver after driver showed their surprise that gas prices had gone up so quickly and by so much.

Jose Santos of Agawam told 22News, why he was so surprised.                                                   

“I was a little surprised especially for this time of year. I believe they jumped up around summertime, because everybody's getting time off, usually that's when it goes up and I was kind of surprised it jumped up the way it did,” said Santos.

But some drivers tempered their surprise with the comment that while gas prices have suddenly gone up, they've paid much more elsewhere.

Kellam Tougian said, “Yes it was a surprise to see gas prices go up so much, but I lived in Alaska for three years and their prices are over $3.90 and 4 dollars. All the time so it's hard to be upset about $3.80 you know.”

Financial analyst Mark Teed had told 22News that the improving economy is one reason for more pain at the pump. But for now it's a strain on the budget that most drivers would rather do without as the economy regains its strength.