The Lorton Perspective: Are High Gas Prices Affecting You?

The price of gas is high, and for many that means belt-tightening, carpooling and eating out less. The average for a gallon of gasoline in Lorton is now $4.091—much higher than the average of $3.367 only six months ago. The nationwide average is about $3.97.

“As nationwide gas prices climb ever-closer to last year’s high and the $4-per-gallon mark, motorists are left wondering how long they’ll have to endure this pain at the pump,” said Martha M. Meade, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “We’re likely to break through these gas price milestones in the coming days, however, the question of how high prices will climb and for how long remains to be seen. One thing that is certain, with the typical peak driving season just weeks away, motorists (and analysts alike) will be watching and wondering as spring (driving) fever catches on.”

So, how is this affecting Lorton residents? Patch was at Caribou Coffee on Tuesday, and asked around.

Mike Amin, a professor at the University of Mary Washington, commutes from Lorton to Fredericksburg every day.  

"I've tried to see if I can work one day a week at home. My wife, who works in DC, is using the Slug-Line carpooling system. We're spending about $100 more a month between the two of us.

"it's funny. I just talked with my cousin in London and he said they're paying $10 a gallon. He laughed when I told him what we're paying here. Gas prices here are a bargain when compared to those folks."

Sook Wang is moving to Lorton from Richmond.

"It has affected me, because I don't drive as far as I used to. For example, I was thinking about going to Barnes and Noble in Springfield to use their Wi-Fi, but I came here instead.

"I think this month there was an increase of about $300 a month for us on gas. In January, it cost us about $400, and last month it cost us $700. we used to dine out a lot, but now we try to cook and eat at home."

Kari Smith is an office administrator at Grace Bible Church

"I haven't seen a huge difference in our budget, and we have a very tight budget and plan ahead. The biggest difference is that we consolidate trips more, but we haven't had any drastic changes. But if prices continue to rise, we'll probably have to address them."

Valerie Dennis lives in Fredricksburg, and commutes every day to work as barista at Caribou Coffee in Lorton

"I spend $80 a week on gas. It's not fun and it's getting worse. I fill up two times a week and I just think that I'm going to have to get a new job, because I love working here, but I can't keep spending money on so much gas when it should go to bills."

How are rising gas prices affecting you? Tell us in the comments box below!

Lorton Patch's Commute page has current traffic conditions and information on where to find cheap gas locally.