EAST TEXAS (KTRE) - The price of gas is up and it's hitting folks where it hurts- their pocketbooks.
Paying more money at the gas pump is forcing people to make drastic changes in the way they commute. For truck drivers who fill up at least twice a week it's equally hard.
Motorists are making fewer road trips, using public transportation, and buying cars that don't rely on gasoline as a primary fuel source.
Analysts worry that unrest in Libya will spread to other oil-rich countries in the region and to even higher gas prices for consumers. Others think the rise in gas prices is temporary, which might be true, but for now it's causing hardships for consumers.
The higher prices are also one big reason the economic recovery is dragging, according to Economist Dr. Rajeev Dhawan. He said the revolution in Egypt has fueled unrest in other Mideast countries leading to a lot of uncertainty about oil.
Oil prices hit $100 a barrel Wednesday as forces loyal to Libya's Moammar Gadhafi clashed with protesters expanding their control over parts of the OPEC nation.
KTRE is helping you track the lowest local gas prices using your KTRE-9-To-Go App for smartphones. Just go download the free app or search the app store to learn more.
Copyright 2011 KTRE. All rights reserved. Information from AP and ABC News was also used in this story.
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