Philadelphia-area gas prices rise 15 cents overnight amid broader surge

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Gas prices across the Philadelphia region are climbing sharply, leaving drivers grappling with higher costs at the pump.

In Philadelphia, the average price for a gallon of gas has risen to $4.27, about 10 cents higher than the national average of $4.17, according to AAA. The increase includes a 15-cent jump overnight and a 23-cent rise over the past week.

At some stations, prices are even higher. A Sunoco station in Bala Cynwyd was selling regular gas for $4.39 per gallon, while a Citgo station on Lancaster Avenue in Overbrook reached $4.59 for full-service fuel.

Drivers say the rising costs are hitting hard.

"It's outrageous, doesn't make any sense, but what can we do?" said Darrell Chapman of East Oak Lane.

Across the region, prices vary slightly. The average in South Jersey is $4.14, while Delaware drivers are paying about $4.05 per gallon. Pennsylvania's statewide average stands at $4.26, also above the national figure.

Experts point to global factors behind the spike, including tensions involving Iran and disruptions in key oil shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

"All of that instability has sent crude oil prices soaring above the $100 per barrel mark - that's what's pushing gas prices up," said Jana Tidwell, a spokesperson for AAA.

Tidwell added that the recent surge is notable. "This is a really big overnight jump in gas prices - 15 cents, double digits - the highest overnight increase we've seen in the past month since this conflict began."

Some drivers say they expected prices to stabilize.

"I was shocked. I didn't expect it to jump that much at this point. I thought it would maybe hit its limit and would start to go down or stay down for a while, so just hope for the best," said Bruce Ginsberg of Bala Cynwyd.

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For others, the increase is creating financial strain - especially for those on fixed incomes.

"Five dollars don't even buy a gallon of gas," said Richard Jackson of Overbrook. "Shouldn't they be going down, not up?"

Jackson added, "Try being retired - all the prices go up, your pockets don't. What you got is what you got. Now you gotta figure out what do I want and what don't I want."

AAA says it is unclear how long the higher prices will last.

"Unfortunately, we don't know how high prices are going to go and we don't know how long we'll sustain prices at this level," Tidwell said. "$4.27 per gallon in the Philly five-county area - that's the highest we've seen all year."

In the meantime, officials recommend steps to stretch fuel efficiency, including keeping up with vehicle maintenance, reducing excess weight in cars and carpooling when possible.