Across the Midwest are climbing at a relentless pace following the attacks on Iran. For newer drivers like Timothy Metry, the pressure has turned into resentment.
“I usually fill up about two or three times a week,” Metry said. “It really depends on how much I hang out with friends.”
The spike in prices doesn’t just affect his wallet; it affects his free time. The freedom he once had has now been stripped away.
“Normally, I would pick up some of my friends on the weekend and just go mess around,” Metry said.
With those rising expenses, Metry still feels as if it doesn’t affect them much. He tries to place his mind on other things.
“I don’t really look at it as a whole,” Metry said. “Obviously, I see the price go up, but it’s really not that much more a gallon, so I try to see it like that.”
Previously, the average to fill up a tank was $43; it has now risen to $54, prompting Metry to cut back on spending and drive less.
“Having a car definitely gives me more freedom,” Metry said. “It just costs a little more now.”
