Drivers in Webb, Zapata counties adjust as gas prices rise

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Gas prices are forcing drivers in Webb and Zapata counties to make adjustments, from switching vehicles to skipping meals.

AAA puts the national average for regular gas at more than $4 a gallon. The Associated Press cites shrinking oil supplies tied to the war in Iran as the primary driver of rising prices.

Regular unleaded gas averages $3.89 in Webb County and $3.95 in Zapata County.

The statewide average for diesel in Texas hit a record $5.97 a gallon Friday, Sept. 18.

Richard Sandoval said he had to purchase a smaller vehicle to get to work.

“I had a big truck, and I still have it, but I had to purchase, you know, a smaller vehicle in order to, make it to work every day, right... if it’s going to keep climbing then something has to be done,” Sandoval said.

Students are also affected. Sergio Soto, 18, said every gallon means a tradeoff.

“It has been going up, and it’s like, do I really want to waste my last money on gas? Or do I want to get food?” Soto said. “The gas, if you waste it, you have to go pay again…. Even people think three dollars back then was expensive. But now... the second we realize it, it’s gone up.”

AAA says easing off the gas, skipping hard stops, and keeping tires properly inflated can help drivers stretch a gallon further.

AAA updates its gas price numbers daily.

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