Syracuse Residents adjust to rising gas prices

Syracuse residents are starting to become more efficient in saving their gas. That's because gas prices have continued to rise at an alarming rate. According to a Lundberg Survey done Sunday, gas prices have risen 16 cents over the last two weeks. Gas prices on Erie Boulevard were at $3.10 just two weeks ago, but today they're at $3.27 for unleaded gas.

Valerie Dunn, a Manlius resident, said with her three kids she's used to driving around. But recently she organized a carpool to save her and her friends gas. But while she was at the pump today, at the Sunoco on Erie between Seeley and Midler avenue, in the hour I spent there just 5 cars arrived to get gas. That's something all too familiar to Customer Service Manager Albert Vargas.

"Some days are slow, it's like dead," Vargas said. "Some days are a little bit busy. One Friday it could be real busy and the next Friday it could be dead. Where [are] the people at? Where [are] the customers at?"

Many customers like Dunn, are avoiding the gas pumps at all costs. But those that aren't avoiding gas stations are trying to find a discount any way they can. For the last few months, Price Chopper has offered a discount card called "Fuel Advantage" which allows shoppers to receive as much as $1.10 off each gallon of gas. Vargas said the card is being used more than ever at Sunoco now, so customers can ease the burden of paying for expensive gas.

Unfortunately, gas price relief won't be coming soon. Vargas added that gas prices will continue to rise into the summer months. In fact, he said gas prices could be as high as $4 to 5 per gallon by late summer.