North Carolina Drivers Feel Squeeze as Oil Prices Soar

Oil prices have increased by more than 3% in recent days, reaching above $100 a barrel for the first time since July. This price surge is largely due to the U.S. conflict with Iran, which has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

For drivers in western North Carolina, this means another round of higher gas prices at the pump. Victoria Sorto, a local driver, said she can only fill up half a tank due to the increasing costs. 'I gotta pay my own gas, but with all these prices going up, I can only fill me up half a tank, you know what I mean?' she said.

Delivery drivers and businesses that rely on transportation are also feeling the pinch. Reno Kosanke estimates he's spending about $20 more every week on fuel than before. He said higher diesel prices will have a ripple effect throughout the economy, increasing shipping costs and potentially leading to higher consumer prices for goods.

Rick Becker, a driver from Fairview, said he expects prices to remain high due to the ongoing conflict. 'As long as we are involved in a war that nobody wanted and we have no strategy to exit, then I don't see how prices are going to go down at all,' he said.