Gas prices rise as Middle East turmoil pushes costs higher for drivers

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Rising oil prices and ongoing turmoil in the Middle East are continuing to drive up costs at the pump, leaving many drivers in the Philadelphia region struggling with higher fuel bills.

Oil climbed more than 3% overnight, topping $108 a barrel for the first time since May.

According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.32. Prices in the Philadelphia region were even higher. AAA reported average prices of $4.54 per gallon in Philadelphia, $4.40 in South Jersey and $4.36 in Delaware.

For Northeast Philadelphia resident Meme Coston, $114 to fill up her Jeep was hard to ignore.

Diesel prices have also continued to surge. AAA reported the national average price for diesel at $6.32 per gallon, the highest recorded average.

"Diesel is definitely high," said fuel delivery driver Russell Calloway.

According to GasBuddy, sustained fuel prices at current levels for more than a few months could have a serious impact on the economy.

RT Trevinio III of Pecos Energy said higher diesel costs can ripple through the broader economy because many goods are transported by truck.

"Anything that we receive on a truck, almost 75 percent comes from a diesel engine," Trevinio said. "Whether we're at the grocery store, department stores, even restaurants, all of these prices could go up."

Some energy experts are hopeful fuel prices could stabilize in the coming weeks. However, Trevinio said consumers may begin changing their spending and travel habits if elevated prices persist.

The latest increase comes amid continued instability in the Middle East and the closure of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, a key route used to help mitigate disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Drivers say the higher costs are already affecting household budgets.

"That became a new bill in my life that I didn't have. I didn't have to count gas money every week," said Northeast Philadelphia resident Jamie Lumb.

Some experts recommend filling a tank instead of making frequent small trips to the gas station. They also advise avoiding aggressive driving, which can help conserve fuel and improve gas mileage.