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Easton Drivers Feeling Powerless at Gas Pumps

EASTON, Conn. – Easton drivers who are feeling the financial pain at the pump say there is little they can do about rapidly rising gas prices. 

“I just looked up and I can’t believe it’s over $4 now," said Caroline Butler, who was pumping gas the Citgo station at the Village Store on Sport Hill Road. "The last time I filled up it was $3.70 [a gallon]. It just keeps going up."

Easton’s gas prices are about 40-cents higher than the national average, according to an online daily fuel gauging report by AAA. Prices at the Village Store were $4.09 a gallon for regular gas, $4.19 for mid-grade, $4.35 for super and $4.39 for diesel as of Monday afternoon. And prices at the Old Blue Bird Garage on Black Rock Turnpike were $4.09 for regular, $4.29 for mid-grade and $4.49 for diesel.

The pumps at the Grieser General Store are out of service until March 6.

Although the prices in the area continue to climb, Butler said she doesn't plan on curbing her driving anytime soon. “I think I will once it gets closer to $5 a gallon but for now I honestly am not really changing anything,” she said.

Butler said she was frustrated by the ever increasing cost of gas and the country’s dependency on foreign oil, “I think it’s unfortunate that we have to suffer the ramifications of what happens in the Middle East.”

George Kocdag, an employee at the Village Store, said they try to lock into lower gas prices whenever they can. “The prices keep going up, there isn’t much we can do,” he said.

Bethel resident Jon Monterio, who was about to pump gas at the Old Blue Bird Garage, said high gas prices are a normal part living in Fairfield County. “I know the prices keep going up but I have to get to work, what am I supposed to do? No one likes it but it’s just something that we have to deal with," he said. "Like it or not, gas is necessity.”

According to the New England AAA, drivers can curb their cars' appetites for gas. Having properly inflated tires can increase fuel economy by 3 percent. Check your tire pressure when your car has been idle for some time to make sure your getting an accurate reading.

The AAA also recommends going easy on the gas and brake pedals once you’re on the road."One of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to conserve fuel is to change your driving style," AAA says. "Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals.”

Residents should always drive the speed limit, not just for safety’s sake, but also because every five mph driven over 60 is similar to paying an additional 24 cents at the pump, the AAA says.

 

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