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Sandra Yi ReportingFilling up has never been more unpleasant. For the second month in a row, gas prices in Utah have gone up by double digits. It's now hit a new record high and could get worse.
David Langley: "I think it's outrageous. You can't go anywhere unless you fill your car up and it costs you 30 dollars to fill your car up."
Andrew Schneider: "Usually I can fill up my entire tank for 20 bucks. Now, it's about 30 bucks."
In fact, prices at the pump have hit a new record. We found out a gallon of regular unleaded gas now costs as much as $1.84, a penny more than the highest recorded price, set last fall.
AAA says the current average price for regular unleaded gas is a $1.81. That's 11 cents more than the average price this time last year.
Roger Neslen: "I don't like it, but it's out of our control. There's nothing we can do. We have to drive."
Roger Neslen rented a truck to move. He found out, filling it up can drain his wallet.
Roger Neslen: "One day, I went through a whole tank of gas and it's going to cost me more to fill it than it does for rental for a day."
Martha Van Alphen: "I think it's terrible and I can't see any reason for it."
AAA says the reason is simply supply and demand. Crude oil prices are high and there are low inventories. The Utah Petroleum Marketers and Retailers Association says most gas station owners are also hurting. Most profit an average of only five cents on every gallon of gasoline sold.
The UPMRA says these places are forced to expand. They make money on car washes and convenient store sales. As for motorists, they're putting up with it for now. In fact, many are taking it in stride.
Martha Van Alphen: "When we have to go, we just go, no matter what. We can always charge it, you know."
Utah has the eighth highest gas price in the country. One gas station owner predicts prices could hit $2 a gallon by May 1st.
