Drivers voice frustration as gas prices climb across the region

Gas prices are rising as ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran break down. Renewed strikes between the two countries are slowing down the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Action News reporter Brianna Smith joining us live from Bellingenwick with more on the pain at the pump, Brianna. Yeah, great. Drivers say they're fed up with the fluctuating prices, and if they continue to climb, we'll have to find a cheaper route. I'm concerned. I'm very concerned. Michael Williams said truck driving is his livelihood. Now he and other drivers are taking a closer look at their budgets as gas prices start to tick up again. It's been something that you really have to consider as far as work with anything to do with traveling. It now is starting to affect the pay wages and stuff like that as well. Oil prices surged after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire came to an end and military strikes resumed. According to AAA, the average cost of gas rose a few cents in the last week. It went up five cents in the Philadelphia area, up nine cents in South Jersey, and up 19 cents in Delaware. It's almost double than what I used to pay. I think they're outrageous. Some drivers say they're lucky they purchased a hybrid car before the war began. The hybrid feature just really kicked in, especially now. I had this rental car, but definitely like the idea of hybrids and having that better fuel efficiency for local driving. No matter the vehicle, these drivers are calling for a peace deal and a drop in prices. I hope that it gets resolved and that there's a ceasefire. If the prices don't go back down, then we're going to have to start making some adjustments. And experts say the global oil demand is expected to decline this year for the first time since 2020 due to higher prices and supply disruptions. Live in Baltimore, Brianna Smith for Action News at 10 on THL17. Okay, Brianna, thank you.