Traditionally gas prices take a dramatic drop after Labor Day, the end of the summer driving season. But analysts say with the crisis in the Middle East and the rise in crude oil prices, instead of going down gas prices are just holding steady.
"Ouch!" Jim Hudson said after looking at his gasoline receipt.
It costs just more than $52 to fill his Toyota and that's only for three quarters of the tank.
"This trip would've cost me $150 three years ago. Now it's going to cost me about $350. that's just in gas," Hudson said.
Driving from Temple, TX to Louisiana, Hudson stopped at the cheapest gas station in Beaumont on Sunday. Heather Crain was also passing through town. In need of fuel, she happened to stop at the most expensive station in Beaumont.
"I saw the prices but you can't help yourself. You need gas," Crain said.
Whether it's the most expensive or the cheapest today, last year drivers were paying less. But how much is a 25 cent difference?
Say the average family drives an S.U.V.with a 28 gallon tank. That family fills up once a week at Sunday's average price of $3.57 -- over a month it will cost $399.84.
At last years price of $3.32, a month's gasoline will cost just over $371.84, that's almost a $30 difference.
Calculate that over the course of a year and the family today is spending $336 more. As a frequent driver, Hudson says it's the obvious that will save the dollars when you can't control the price at the pump.
"Get a tune up, keep the tires filled, change the oil you have to do everything you can to save a dime," Hudson said.
According to the Energy Administration Information that extra $336 could cover two months worth of electricity bills in the average U.S. household.
The Department of Agriculture estimates that could supply a family of four with one week of food.
And for those interested in vacations, $20 more dollars would buy four adult tickets to Disney World.
