Central Coast drivers deal with rising gas prices

State gas prices are on the rise this week. Some parts of California could even see a 50 cent increase as refinery issues and a lack of crude oil are hitting the state hard.

Some customers have noticed they’re having to pay more at the pump and it’s those commuters who are feeling it the most.

“I drive about 70 miles a day,” Pacific Grove resident Frank Pierce said.

Pierce drives to Salinas everyday for work, and has to fill up about twice a week.

“Last time I filled the tank it was $2.99 and now its $3.19,” Pierce said.

Pierce said as an engineer he understands why gas prices go up.

“So much of our cost of pricing is that the oil fields can’t do what they need to do. We have so much trouble with our refineries trying to meet regulatory changes,” Pierce said.

Gasbuddy.com analysts said the price hikes are happening because of “an extraordinary convergence of fuel problems that caused spikes with no immediate relief in sight.”

That’s bad news for truck drivers and there’s plenty of them right now because of harvest season. Some truck companies said they try to steer clear of those higher gas prices.

Greg Bukoski has been a truck driver for more than 20 years.

“Well we fuel in the states with cheaper gas prices and California isn’t one of them,” Bukoski said.

Most diesel trucks have 280 gallon tanks and take about $600 to fill. Bukoski said a full tank will take him about 1200 miles. Bukoski said he’s thankful his company picks up the bill. Gas at the Arco off Terven Avenue is $3.13 but experts said that could reach the $4.00 mark soon.

“When I feel that it’s too expensive I’ll just start riding around in the bus,” Pierce said.