YORK, Pa. — Nearly 44 million people will be hitting the roads across the country for the Memorial Day weekend, and drivers are already feeling the pain at the pump.
“I was just talking to my girlfriend about this a few days ago when I came out to Sheetz, and at the time it was $3.80," said Brendan Gaffaey. "I texted her immediately saying that this is outrageous.”
According to AAA, the average price of gas in Pennsylvania sits around $3.61/gallon, which is up from $3.54/gallon at this time last year. The price can also vary widely depending on where you get your gas.
Here is the breakdown of gas prices across South Central PA:
- $3.76 in Cumberland County
- $3.77 in Lebanon County
- $3.78 in Lancaster and Dauphin County
- $3.85 in Adams County
- $3.86 in York County
“You do have to look around the area to see who has the cheapest gas because right now people want a full tank of gas, not a half a tank," said Tonya Larry.
“You got to waste gas to get a cheaper price," added Jose Rodriguez. "You got to go looking for it.”
Doni Lee Spiegel, a spokesperson for AAA Central Penn, said gas prices can vary widely at different stations due to the local demand from drivers, as well as the costs to purchase fuel.
“As prices rise and the gas stations pay more for gas, when one gas station refuels, their prices will go up," said Spiegel. "If the other station is selling the cheaper fuel, you will see lower prices there.”
Spiegel said that people can check a variety of online sources to search for the best deal on gas. According to travelers reporting to Gas Buddy, the cheapest gas in South Central PA can be found at gas stations in Chambersburg at $3.31/gallon.