Ripple effect of gas prices hampers summer travel

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Some drivers say shopping around for the best deal on gas is not worth the hassle because fuel prices are high no matter where you drive.

“Gas prices are definitely on the increase and I spend anywhere from $75 to $100 week on gas,” said Gene Flowers while filling up at the Granby Road Race Mart in Chicopee. 

Flowers, owns a construction business. He says his job won't let escape the rising gas prices but he does try to trim the fat in other ways.

“I really haven't changed you know my work habits cause you have to get there. I probably cut down on some of my trips to go fishing or whatever else I'm doing,” said Flowers whose summer outings have been feeling the ripple. 

AAA says gas prices in Massachusetts have gone up $0.12 cents in the last month, but a regular gallon is still $0.20 cheaper than this time last year.  According to the Energy Information Administration , crude oil futures ended the trading day at $93 dollars a barrel on Friday; $6.58 up from a week earlier.

“I see them go up twenty cents right here in the last week and half, it's ridiculous. I mean what are you going to do you know. I stay home most of the time, I like to take a trip and go out and eat every morning but I just don't have it,” said Kenneth Vickers of Chicopee, who’s retired and on a fixed income. 

But what is driving prices up? A Lundberg Survey says it's the price of oil that dictates the price of gas. Meanwhile some analysts blame it on the dry weather sucking up corn fields and threatening the supply of Ethanol; a liquid that is made from corn and used in fuel.