Gas prices in Hampton Roads rise by more than 20 cents in one week, according to AAA

NORFOLK, Va. - Gas prices rose by more than 20 cents in one week in Hampton Roads, according to AAA.

As of Monday, the average price is 4.66 per gallon, up 22 cents compared with a week ago, 47 cents a month ago and $1.78 a year ago.

“People are still fueling up, despite these high prices,” said Ryan Adcock, AAA Tidewater public relations specialist, in a news release. “At some point, drivers may change their daily driving habits or lifestyle due to these high prices, but we are not there yet.”

At a Shell gas station in Norfolk, News 3 found prices to be above $5 for regular gas. That price seems to be an outlier in the region.

The owner of the Shell told News 3 he sets the price based on what corporate tells him the price will be. He said he's making about 10 cents per gallon right now and doesn't know how other gas station owners aren't selling gas for about that much.

News 3 saw plenty of other gas stations that are selling at about the average price for the area.

Experts say there are multiple reasons why gas prices are so high, including more demand due to summer travel, global supply shortages due to sanctions on Russia due to the war in Ukraine and oil production in America is lower than it was before the pandemic began.

"This is just the beginning of the summer, so demand will definitely stay where it's at. So, as long as the global supply remains restricted, we will see these prices where they're at, if not higher," said Adcock.

News 3 spoke with drivers about making it all work.

"You have to. You still have to go to work. You still have to take care of your family," said Davan Jenkins from Virginia Beach.

"It's costing more money to run the business, but what are you going to do? Basically, you have to suck it up," said Craig Bowman, who owns a tow truck business.

Experts say speeding or idling in your car can waste gas, so try and avoid those during times like these.