Refinery Shut Downs Increase Cost of Gas
By: Ali Touhey
Updated: February 18, 2013
"I am just barely surviving off of it right now."
In fact he's living paycheck to paycheck. He uses his own car and pays for his own gas to make those deliveries for Rhinos Pizzeria in Rochester.
"It's a big impact on your pocket because to get there and get back is eight miles and that's almost a gallon of gas right there. And than, before you know it, you have to gas up all over again," Hurnandez said.
He's been working for Rhinos for two years and loves his job, just not the increased cost he's paying at the pump.
"I just wish that the gas prices would stay down so that we can travel more or even go on vacations if we wanted to."
New York State Gas Dealers Association President Bill Adams says the price keeps rising while many refineries shut down to prepare for their summer blend of gas. The summer blend often has to be formulated to prevent smog buildup in the warmer weather, according to Adams. Once they re-open, Adams says that's when we could see some relief.
"I don't have a crystal ball. We're hoping the prices level off." But, according to Adams, that level off won't last. Demand is expected to increase during the summer and that, among other reasons is what's driving up the cost. "As the summer driving season approaches and with that summer blend of gas which is more expensive to make, it's going to cause the prices to go up even more," predicted Adams.
Meantime, Eddie will continue delivering pizzas even if he has to pay close to four bucks for a gallon of gas to do it.
"That's where it hurts the pocket the most...when you have to fill up more, and more, and more, and there's nothing coming in," Hurnandez explained.
